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Control Operator

Chief Industries · Hastings, NE, USA ·

Job type:
Full Time

Oversees and controls the ethanol production process from a centralized control room. This role ensures safe, efficient, and continuous operation of plant equipment through monitoring systems, data analysis, and coordination with field operators.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Monitor plant operations using DCS systems, including fermentation, distillation, evaporation, drying, and utilities.
Adjust process parameters (flows, temperatures, pressures, chemical dosing) to maintain optimal production.
Respond to alarms and troubleshoot process deviations in real time.
Communicate with field operators to coordinate equipment inspections, manual adjustments, and maintenance activities.
Record operational data including production rates, energy usage, equipment status, and downtime events.
Start up and shut down equipment following established procedures.
Ensure safety compliance by following SOPs, lockout/tagout, confined space, and emergency protocols.
Collaborate with maintenance to report equipment issues and support repairs.
Maintain product quality by monitoring lab results and adjusting processes accordingly.
Participate in shift handovers with clear documentation and verbal briefings.
Strong understanding of industrial process operations (ethanol, chemical, or power preferred).
Ability to interpret P&IDs, process trends, and instrumentation data.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
Education:

High school diploma, or GED, required.
The Company:

Putting the needs of customers first has taken Chief Industries, Inc. from a small construction company in 1954, to a highly diverse company with a reputation for manufacturing quality products and offering unparalleled customer service. Through its many divisions and subsidiaries, Chief Industries employs over 1,400 skilled and dedicated employees who produce a wide variety of products, many of which are used around the world.

A Brand of Chief Industries, Chief Ethanol is committed to producing quality renewable fuel and produces approximately 140 million gallons of ethanol annually. Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska’s first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to producing renewable fuel and high-quality feed today. The plant is a continuous flow Vogelbusch process.

Our Benefits:

This full-time position is eligible for full company benefits, including

Paid vacation/time off policies
401(k) retirement plan plus company match
Company-paid life insurance
Company-paid short-term disability benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Financial wellness coaching
Employee assistance program
Paid holidays (8)
Employee discounts
Education assistance
And much more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.