[Skip to main content](#main-content) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [Hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [All Valero Energy jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/) · [Search jobs](/search/) Valero Energy · Lakota, IA, US # Process Operator - Lakota Ethanol Plant Lakota, IA, US Manufacturing & Production Listed on Valero Energy’s official careers site. Posted January 21, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Valero Energy’s careers site →](https://valero.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=307947&lang=en) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Valero Energy](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/) / Process Operator - Lakota Ethanol Plant ## Job description !*! Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community. As a Process Operator you will oversee the daily operation of an assigned area of the production process within the plant. Working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule while maintaining a safe work environment. Monitors and maintains production quality and equipment, while supporting the policies, goals, and objectives of the Company. At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can\: Monitor and control plant operations. Review the operation of the plant constantly to monitor production and quality, anticipates and solves problems in a timely manner, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Participate in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs. Document and monitor process variables, sample data and routine tasks as required for position, to ensure plant operations are maintained within operating parameters. Participate in Quality Assurance/Quality Control program, interpret results, and take appropriate action when required. Communicate with all departments within the facility to ensure safe and efficient execution of daily plant activities. Monitor and troubleshoot process issues and equipment. Perform scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management. Prepare equipment to ensure it is safe for maintenance/contractors to perform scheduled work. Utilize company safe work practices to ensure all work is performed safely. 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 plant cleanliness. Monitor use and inventory of process chemicals and supplies. Perform other duties as assigned to maintain a safe, reliable, and consistent operation. This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.Please click on the following link to view what the Process Operator job involves on a day to day basis\: Realistic Job Preview!*! Monitor and troubleshoot process issues and equipment. ### Minimum Requirements\ High school diploma or GED required. Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Lakota Ethanol Plant required. ### Preferred Requirements\ Associate Degree in Process Technology or equivalent preferred. Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred. Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits\: Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, plus additional discretionary 3% annual company contribution Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee’s eligibility and work location. Valero’s pre-employment process includes successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen. Discover more about Lakota and how we’re making a difference there. Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We’re invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers. Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero’s market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites. *LI-LP1!*! ### Minimum Requirements\ High school diploma or GED required. ### Preferred Requirements\ Valero is an EEO Employer. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Jan 21, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Jul 11, 2026 - Last checked: Oct 18, 2026 - Listed for: 270 days - Location: Lakota, IA, US[Apply on Valero Energy’s careers site →](https://valero.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=307947&lang=en) ## More jobs at Valero Energy ### [Instrumentation & Electrician Technician – Ethanol Plant](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/jobs/45ec7864c0a1cf7e89e2/) Lakota, IA, US ### [QA/QC Lab Technician – Ethanol Plant](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/jobs/be7e31a84325bb03c474/) Lakota, IA, US ### [Process Operator - Albert City Ethanol Plant](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/jobs/2acdbcb9452f66bbe806/) Albert City, IA, US ### [Process Operator - Linden Ethanol Plant](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/jobs/a191e7eaa216c22dd6e7/) Linden, IN, US ### [Sr. Process Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/valero-energy/jobs/d93737e9b1f4ad42b110/) Port Arthur, TX, US ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Process Operator](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/cargill/jobs/db8a2a2308f0b69f3d94/) Cargill · Sidney, Ohio ### [Process Operator](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/cargill/jobs/8fca36506f82161e75f5/) Cargill · Iowa Falls, Iowa ### [Machine Operator (Process Inspector) - 1st Shift](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/cardinal-health/jobs/b5684257933e92af45e5/) Cardinal Health · Deland, FL ### [Process Technician Operator - 3rd Shift](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/sherwin-williams/jobs/eb4e294df061f91098b2/) Sherwin-Williams · Hagerstown, MD, United States ### [LUH-72A Lakota Instructor Pilot](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/leidos/jobs/5a2fb4a2e053c8f77e6c/) Leidos · Marana, AZ OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. 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