Control Operator

Chief Ethanol Fuels•Hastings, NE

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Chief Ethanol is seeking a Control Operator to join the Chief team. The Control Room Computer Operator 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. 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.

Requirements

High School Diploma, or GED, required.
1-2 years of job-related experience
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.
Understanding of math and chemical process systems

Nice To Haves

Previous plant experience preferred, will train the right individual.

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.