Employers

There are approximately 222,100 industrial production managers (including biofuels production managers) employed in the United States. Biofuels production managers work in production facilities located throughout the United States. Some regions offer more opportunities than others, such as in the Midwest, where many ethanol production plants are based. Biofuels production managers may work for manufacturers of fabricated metal products, transportation equipment, and computer and electronic products.

Starting Out

Many biofuels production managers start their careers through internships and part-time jobs in biofuels and related companies. They find job listings through their schools career services office, the Web sites of biofuels companies, and online employment sites. Professional associations also offer helpful career-support resources, including job listings and volunteer and networking opportunities.

Biofuels production managers with years of experience and track records that show successful management of production facilities advance to upper management roles such as regional manager, where they oversee more plants and more staff. Some production managers may move on by starting their own companies and working as consultants. They also advance by continuing their education. They may go back to school for a masters or other graduate degree. They may also become certified in production management, business management, or quality control.

Publications such as Ethanol Producer (http://www.ethanolproducer.com) and Biofuels International (https://biofuels-news.com) help biofuel production managers keep up with industry news and developments.

Search for biofuels production job listings by visiting the following Web sites:

• https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/clean-energy-jobs-and-planning
• https://www.science.org/careers
• https://environmentalcareer.com
• https://biotech-careers.org/biotech-jobs
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Entry-Level-Biofuel

Find information about educational programs and careers in biotechnology by visiting https://innovatebio.org/programs.

Meet people working in the field learn more about the industry by attending events such as the Renewable Fuels Association’s annual National Ethanol Conference (https://nationalethanolconference.com) and the Biofuels International Conference & Expo (https://biofuels-news.com/conference/about-biofuels-conference-expo).