Issac Herrera

An ethanol board operator controls and monitors the entire production process of a biofuel plant from a central control room. Using the Distributed Control System (DCS), they adjust equipment and chemical levels to maximize ethanol yield, maintain strict quality control, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

Board Operator at HET Levelland Ethanol plant (2022-09 – 2026-06)

An ethanol board operator controls and monitors the entire production process of a biofuel plant from a central control room. Using the Distributed Control System (DCS), they adjust equipment and chemical levels to maximize ethanol yield, maintain strict quality control, and ensure safety and environmental compliance.

• Continuously observing computer screens, gauges, and alarms to track temperatures, pressures, and flow rates across all plant areas (milling, cook, fermentation, distillation, and evaporation).
• Making real-time adjustments to valves, pumps, and motors from the control room to keep production within specific operating parameters.
• Identifying process anomalies (e.g., temperature spikes, pressure drops) and directing floor operators or maintenance teams to investigate and resolve issues.
• Reviewing data and lab test results to ensure the product meets plant specifications, and altering process streams accordingly to maintain consistency.
• Enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols (such as Lockout/Tagout procedures) and environmental regulations to minimize hazards and plant downtime.
• Maintaining accurate shift logs and production reports regarding plant performance, uptime, and efficiency.

Spray Technician at ProFoam Insulation (2018-08 – 2022-09)

A spray foam technician is responsible for applying polyurethane foam insulation to walls, ceilings, and roofs to improve energy efficiency. Their duties include preparing job sites, calibrating and operating specialized mixing and spraying equipment, ensuring even coverage, trimming excess foam, and strictly adhering to chemical safety and respiratory protocols.

• Job preparation, such as protecting surrounding areas, floors, and windows with masking, and setting up scaffolding or ladders.
• Calibrating, operating, and troubleshooting the high-pressure proportioning machines, generators, and heated hoses.
• Precisely spraying the chemical mixture to the correct thickness and density for structural integrity and thermal sealing.
• Wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including full-face respirators and Tyvek suits to safely handle raw chemicals.
• Cleaning the rig and tools after every application, and removing leftover debris from the work area.

Correctional Officer at Texas Department of criminal justice (2016-03 – 2018-07)

Prison officers are responsible for maintaining the security, order, and daily operations of correctional facilities. Their primary duties include supervising inmates, enforcing institutional rules, conducting cell searches to prevent contraband, and escorting individuals to court or medical appointments. They also play a crucial role in inmate rehabilitation and emergency response.

• Officers continuously monitor inmate activities, conduct regular headcounts, and inspect facilities for security breaches.
• Perform pat-downs, strip searches, and cell searches to intercept prohibited items like weapons and drugs.
• Officers ensure inmates follow facility schedules and regulations, mediating conflicts and using approved physical force or restraints only when necessary.

High school diploma – Silverton High School