Production Operator

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to $2,500

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401k with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Parental and bereavement leave

Job summary

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE) is seeking a Production Operator for on-site duties in Council Bluffs, IA. The role involves operating and monitoring ethanol production equipment, loading/unloading shipments, and ensuring product quality and safety through testing and documentation.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED, strong communication, and the ability to work 12-hour shifts. SIRE offers comprehensive benefits and a sign-on bonus for new hires.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Previous production experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and maintain safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Follow SOPs, quality standards, and safety policies; complete documentation on time.
• Maintain shipping and loading records with traceability and compliance.
• Perform routine equipment testing and inspections; report abnormalities.
• Collect process samples, conduct tests, and record results for quality control.
• Document near-misses, incidents, and injuries to support safety improvements.
• Keep work area clean and organized and manage waste/sample containers.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Basic IT knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Full-time

Description

Job Details

Position Title: Production Operator

Supervisor Title: Production Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time – Hourly

Location: Council Bluffs, IA (onsite)

Department: Production

*Sign on Bonus* up to $2,500

Description

Who We Are

Do you want to work somewhere where your work truly matters? At Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy (SIRE), we are a high-energy, forward-looking powerhouse on a mission to engineer the smartest, cleanest energy on the planet! We are ambitious and refuse to stand still - we are constantly innovating, smashing goals, and unlocking cool new technologies that push our fast-paced operations to the absolute next level.

We don’t just build renewable energy - we build a team people want to be part of. If you are curious and crave an innovative environment where your hardworking spirit is celebrated, SIRE is exactly where you belong. We are a principled, world-class team that has been redefining renewable fuels since 2009, producing over 140 million gallons of ethanol annually. We lead with a people-centric culture that invests in its team to ensure you have a stable, high-impact career at the center of something big. Let’s fuel the future together!

What We Are Looking For

SIRE is seeking an experienced Production Operator to support our team. The Production Operator supports SIRE’s operations by operating and monitoring equipment used in the production of ethanol and by-products, including loading and unloading shipments. Performs routine testing, sampling, and documentation to ensure product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

This position works closely with other departments to ensure SIRE continues to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry and regulatory standards. This position will work 12-hour shifts.

Essential Job Responsibilities and Duties

• 1. Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality standards, and safety policies, ensuring all required tasks and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• 2. Accurately complete and maintain shipping and loading records for all products leaving the plant, ensuring traceability and compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• 3. Perform routine testing, inspection, and verification of assigned equipment to ensure proper operation, documenting results and reporting any abnormalities.
• 4. Collect process samples at designated intervals, conduct required tests and accurately record results to support production quality and process control.
• 5. Promptly document and report all near-misses, accidents, and injuries in accordance with safety reporting procedures to support continuous improvement.
• 6. Maintain a clean and organized work area by properly disposing of or emptying sample containers and materials as required.
• Other duties as assigned to accomplish the safe and timely day-to-day operations within the plant.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Previous work experience in production, preferred
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to competently perform processing procedures
• Ability to work well with others and the ability to work independently
• Basic IT knowledge (i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Teams and other Microsoft Products)

Compensation, Benefits & Career Growth

SIRE offers one of the most competitive compensation packages (salary and bonus) as well as a comprehensive, family-friendly benefits package designed to support employees and their families including:

• UP to $2,500 in new employee sign on bonuses
• Exceptional family medical, dental, and vision benefits (includes a 100% company paid premium option for medical & $0-copay telehealth)
• HSA and FSA options, with up to $1,000 annual company match
• Quarterly bonuses up to 15%
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual starting day one (up to 3 weeks in year one)
• 9 paid holidays
• Exceptional 401k fund contributions (up to 6%)
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• Paid parental and bereavement leave
• Training, skill-based pay increases, and career development
• Strong culture with events, appreciation, and SIRE swag
• Clear opportunities for long-term career growth

We don’t just build renewable energy — we build a team people want to be part of.

If you want a workplace where your work matters, your voice is heard, and your values are respected, you’ll feel at home at SIRE. Apply with us today!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.