Commodities Assistant

POET; Fostoria (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Bonus opportunities

Paid time off and paid holidays

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

POET is hiring a Material Handler in Fostoria, OH. In this role, you will be responsible for loading various products onto trucks and rail cars, ensuring timely delivery and product safety.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience with heavy machinery. This on-site role requires attention to detail, as well as adherence to safety protocols. Opportunities for growth and a comprehensive benefits package are included.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Material Handler I: No experience required.
• Experience in truck loading and unloading preferred.

Responsibilities

• Load trucks and rail cars with feed and fuel products.
• Assist with grain product unloading functions.
• Operate large machinery as required.

Skills

Experience with heavy machinery

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Heavy loading equipment

Job description

About POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Bonus opportunities - up to six bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program
• Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Attractive relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Family‑first culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Material Handler is responsible for loading dried distillers' grains, ethanol, corn oil, wet cake feed, distiller’s syrup, or biomass into trucks and rail cars. Team members in this position use mechanical equipment, meters or scales as well as computers and software equipment when loading products to ensure a timely delivery and product safety. Based on training provided, the Material Handler may also complete the grading of grain products or biomass. This is an on‑site role located in Fostoria, OH.

Responsibilities

• Load trucks and rail cars with feed and fuel products of POET bioprocessing facilities using mechanical equipment, meters and scales as required to ensure timely delivery of products.
• Assist with grain product or biomass and supply truck unloading functions.
• Complete the grading of grain products or biomass using training provided.
• Operate large machinery and equipment; may be required to obtain DOT certification.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Enter bins adhering to POET’s confined space procedures.
• Complete HAZMAT paperwork when necessary.
• Learn, maintain and operate all processes associated with the grains operation including repair and maintenance.
• Remove, install, rebuild, lubricate and clean all equipment associated with the grains process.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks as directed.
• Be required to work outdoors, weekends, and holidays.
• Meet call‑in requirements and work extended hours as necessary.
• Assist with running the bioprocessing facility scale house and learn required software applications.
• Work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business related matters.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Material Handler I: No experience required.
• Material Handler II: Documented successful performance as a Material Handler I or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience and knowledge in the operation of heavy machinery, skid loaders or other associated heavy loading or material‑moving equipment preferred.
• Experience in truck loading and unloading, including rail tank car and tanker truck preferred.
• DOT certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to think objectively.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, self‑contained breathing system, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
• Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to use equipment/tools: various hand tools, skid loader, scoop shovels, pipe wrenches, impact wrench, air hose, and shuttle wagon.
• Must also be able to operate machinery such as a payloader and Trackmobile for long periods of time.
• Frequently: Climb a step ladder and/or stairs; walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces; reach forward, backward, and overhead to fill railcars; reach at arm’s length to gather samples; be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions; use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs; bend while standing; climb in & out of Powered Industrial Vehicles.
• Occasionally: Grip with a force of 40lbs to prep rail cars; kneel and crouch and pull tools with a force of up to 95lbs; carry up 40lbs, sometimes up stairs, with or without assistance; pull with a force of up to 120lbs, with or without assistance; bend forward to fill railcars.

EEO Statement

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.