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.

Who is Aztalan Bio?

Located outside Jefferson, WI - Aztalan Bio 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. Over the coming years, Aztalan Bio will undergo a similar transformation to its sister facility, Pannonia Bio in Hungary, to create a next-generation biorefinery tailored to Wisconsin’s agricultural strengths and diversity.

Building on more than a century of history, this next chapter is about investing in people, progress, and community. With the revitalization of this historic plant and the hiring of a new workforce, we are creating opportunities for local employees while reinforcing generations of partnership with farmers.

Aztalan Bio is owned by ClonBio Group who is family-owned and invests in their people for long-term success.

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.

Aztalan Bio LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.