Biofuels Processing Technicians

Career Overview

Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.

Also Known As

Biofuels Processing Technician
Ethanol Operator
Process Operator
Production Operator

Alternate Job Titles

Biodiesel Process Control Technician
Biodiesel Processing Technician
Biodiesel Production Associate
Biodiesel Production Technician
Biofuels Data Scientist
Biofuels Processing Technician
Biofuels Production Associate
Biofuels Production Technician
Biomass Plant Technician
Board Operator
Chemical Operator
Ethanol Operator
Mash Preparatory Operator
Process Operator
Process Technician

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

Monitor batch, continuous flow, or hybrid biofuels production processes.
Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust biofuels production.
Monitor and record biofuels processing data.
Collect biofuels samples and perform routine laboratory tests or analyses to assess biofuels quality.
Operate equipment, such as a centrifuge, to extract biofuels products and secondary by-products or reusable fractions.
Process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels.
Operate chemical processing equipment for the production of biofuels.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Production and Processing
Mechanical

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Speech Recognition
Written Comprehension
Control Precision
Perceptual Speed
Visual Color Discrimination
Near Vision
Reaction Time
Manual Dexterity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Achievement
Working Conditions
Recognition
Relationships

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Python
R
SAS
Tableau

Tools & Equipment

Adjustable hand wrenches
Adjustable widemouth pliers
Agitators
Air compressors
Air monitoring equipment
Autotitrators
Ball valves
Belt conveyor systems
Belt filters
Benchtop centrifuges
Binocular light compound microscopes
Chain hoists
Cooling towers
Crusher screens
Demineralizers

Work Environment

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Exposed to Contaminants
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
Contact With Others

Salary & Job Market

Wages reported for the broader Plant and System Operators, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Biofuels Processing Technicians.

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$40,250
Median	$61,710
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$92,750

Workers Employed Nationally: 15,950