Production Operator

Description

Join a team that helps produce renewable fuel for the future. We are hiring a Production Operator to support our ethanol plant operations, where safety, reliability, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything we do. This position works a 2-2-3 rotating schedule with 12-hour shifts, alternating between day and night shifts every six weeks, and plays a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; additional ancillary plans; a 401(k) with company match; paid time off; and sick time. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor the operation of the plant constantly to monitor production and quality, anticipating and solving problems in a timely manner, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Troubleshoot, anticipate and correct problems associated with plant operations. May need to inspect different areas of the plant to locate problems.
• Review the slurry and fermentation process to ensure accuracy and the highest quality of product. (Slurry Operator)
• Review the distillation and evaporation process to ensure accuracy and the highest quality of the product. Certification of the ethanol before it can be transported. (D&E Operator)
• Document and monitor process variables, sample data and routine tasks as required for position, to ensure plant operations are maintained within operating parameters.
• Monitor use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.
• Communicate with the lab to anticipate or remedy any problems to ensure the highest quality and optimize the facility’s efficiency.
• Communicate with the maintenance department to anticipate or fix problems in a timely manner. Prepare equipment to ensure it is safe for maintenance/contractors to perform scheduled work.
• Handle chemicals according to the MSDS safety sheets.
• Cross train with other operators to assure adequate coverage during unexpected interruptions in the plant. May need to watch the boards when a supervisor has to step away.
• Participate in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
• Perform scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management.
• Participate in safety, health, and environmental programs (LOTO-lock out tag out, Safe Work Permit, FSMA-Food Safety Modernization Act). Participate in programs and procedures required to ensure safe work practices and plant cleanliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain a safe, reliable, and consistent operation.

Our company is a biorefinery that utilizes a dry front-end fractionation system which separates corn components (starch, protein, germ) before the distillation process, leading to a wider range of products and potentially higher efficiency - producing corn oil, ethanol, corn germ, bran, and distillers’ grains. These outputs support a wide range of markets, including food production, animal nutrition, and renewable energy.

The plant has been in operation since 1898, first as a malting company and then, in 2006, was converted to ethanol production, becoming Wisconsin’s largest ethanol operation.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 0-2 Years’ relevant experience.
• Associate degree in Process Technology or equivalent is preferred.
• Experience in an Ethanol Processing plant preferred.
• Able to read, understand and follow standard operating procedures for operation of plant and associated equipment.
• Basic computer operation and data entry skills.
• Excellent communication, time management, multi-tasking, and problem skills.
• Strong attention to detail.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Noise level in the work environment is moderate. Occasional exposure to high noise levels.
• Employee may be exposed to work near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional exposure to chemicals used in the process.
• Humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Personal Protective Equipment such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, flame-resistant clothing, and hearing protection will regularly be required (or may be required).
• Regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and may occasionally be required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee will be required to do some walking/climbing stairs and occasional use of ladders.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.