Process Operations Intern - Summer 2026 - Watertown, SD

Position Title: Production Intern

Reports To: Production Manager
Location: Watertown, SD
Hours/Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wage: $22.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Production Intern will support plant operations by assisting with a variety of hands-on and analytical tasks. This position provides an opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience in production processes, problem-solving, and teamwork within an ethanol facility. The intern will work closely with experienced operators and technical staff to develop skills relevant to their field of study and gain a comprehensive understanding of plant operations.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Work alongside operators and other technical personnel at the plant level.
• Gain hands-on experience with performance monitoring and analytical tools.
• Develop an overall understanding of ethanol plant operations and how all departments interrelate.
• Apply problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and understand root causes of issues.
• Conduct analysis as directed and prepare insights, findings, and recommendations.
• Present conclusions and recommendations through written and verbal communication to supervisors or management.
• Assist with functional projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Communicate issues, challenges, or roadblocks in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Learn and operate processes within the plant, including the DCS (Distributed Control System).
• Follow procedures for plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning, and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs of operational data and activities.
• Perform quality control tests on product streams as assigned.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas, including plant and outdoor grounds.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures—safe work practices are a condition of employment. Report any safety issues or concerns immediately to your supervisor or the Safety Department.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Must be able to climb ladders and steps and lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to adapt to outside work environments, including cold, heat, wind, rain, snow, and slippery surfaces.
• Exposure to high noise levels.
• Ability to open valves by hand with a twisting motion.
• Occasional bending, twisting, and turning while lifting weights of less than fifty (50) pounds.
• Data entry while seated for periods greater than one (1) hour.
• Walking two (2) or more miles per day.
• Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Performing elevated work as required.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply online at www.glaciallakesenergy.com