Environmental Technician

00001 American Crystal Sugar Co; East Grand Forks (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance from day one

Dental insurance

401K match

Pension

Job summary

American Crystal Sugar Company in Minnesota is seeking a maintenance/operator specialist to safely run mud belt presses and wastewater equipment, perform basic lab tests, and support environmental compliance. You will conduct rounds, maintain records, and assist mechanical and chemical processes with a strong emphasis on safety.

The role requires a high school diploma, forklift and skid steer certifications, a valid Class D license, and a pre-hire safety screening.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must pass a pre-hire Mechanical Aptitude test.
• Must be able to reference, read, and understand SDS information.
• Must possess or be able to obtain forklift, boom lift, and skid steer certification.
• Must possess a Class D Driver's license and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Must submit to and successfully pass a Safety Screening that evaluates your ability to safely execute the duties of this position.

Responsibilities

• Operate computerized mud belt presses and related wastewater treatment equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor wastewater systems, ponds, and flume water processes, adjusting flows and equipment as needed.
• Collect samples and perform basic laboratory tests, including pH, percent solids, and settling.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, lubrication rounds, and minor mechanical repairs.
• Complete chemical monitoring, track usage, and maintain accurate records.
• Operate forklifts and company vehicles in accordance with safety requirements.
• Inspect ponds, pumps, and temporary pumping systems to maintain proper water levels.
• Monitor H2S levels and document mitigation activities using software tools like VDV and ArcGIS.
• Maintain clean, safe work areas and comply with all environmental and safety training requirements.
• Make regular equipment rounds, identify issues, and report concerns to supervisors.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Forklift certification

Driver's license

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Entry Wage: $29.42 (Training and program progression up to $37.96/hour) Schedule: Rotating 12hr shift schedule (both days AND nights)

Benefits Day One: Medical, Free Dental, 401K Match, plus a Pension and More!

This role is responsible for safely operating computerized mud belt presses, wastewater treatment systems, and related equipment to ensure efficient and compliant plant operations. The position includes performing preventative maintenance, collecting and analyzing samples, monitoring chemical usage, and maintaining accurate records. Employees will conduct routine rounds, troubleshoot equipment, and support mechanical, chemical, and environmental processes throughout the facility. Strong attention to safety, equipment operation, and environmental compliance is essential.

Principal Accountabilities

• Operate computerized mud belt presses and related wastewater treatment equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor wastewater systems, ponds, and flume water processes, adjusting flows and equipment as needed.
• Collect samples and perform basic laboratory tests, including pH, percent solids, and settling.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance, lubrication rounds, and minor mechanical repairs.
• Complete chemical monitoring, track usage, and maintain accurate records.
• Operate forklifts and company vehicles in accordance with safety requirements.
• Inspect ponds, pumps, and temporary pumping systems to maintain proper water levels.
• Monitor H₂S levels and document mitigation activities using software tools like VDV and ArcGIS.
• Maintain clean, safe work areas and comply with all environmental and safety training requirements.
• Make regular equipment rounds, identify issues, and report concerns to supervisors.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must pass a pre-hire Mechanical Aptitude test.
• Must be able to reference, read, and understand SDS information.
• Must possess or be able to obtain forklift, boom lift, and skid steer certification.
• Must possess a Class D Driver's license and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Must submit to and successfully pass a Safety Screening that evaluates your ability to safely execute the duties of this position.

Work Environment

Exposure to all climatic conditions. Works outside in all conditions. Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Employees may frequently bend, twist, squat, and kneel, and be able to climb stairs and ladders into trucks. May be exposed to lime dust, fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, or hazardous gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, requiring the use of a respirator. Employees are exposed to moving equipment, which will require lockout procedures. Occasionally works in elevated places or on slippery/uneven ground conditions. Noise levels are above 85 db. Personal protective equipment is available and must be worn when required.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

• Walks on uneven surfaces to access outbuildings and works at elevated heights.
• Other stair climbing is required to check equipment and machines.
• Required to sit up to one-half hour of the shift to complete analytical testing duties.
• Must operate a 50-plus-foot water hose, fully charged (40-pound), high-pressure washer, shovel, broom, squeegee, and wheelbarrow to complete general cleaning of work area.
• Bending and twisting are required occasionally.
• Kneeling and squatting are required rarely.
• Must be able to climb from ladders or man lifts and transport up to 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, read and understand instructions, street signs, roadmaps, and general instructions to locate various locations as directed.
• Must also be able to read and interpret documents such as safety procedures, SDS information, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Must be able to operate a computer to input data.
• Must be able to drive a pickup truck.

Compensation Range

$29.42 - $37.96 /hr

Benefits Include

• Eligibility for comprehensive medical insurance starting on day one.
• Pension, 401(k) retirement savings plan with a Company match.
• Paid dental.
• Paid basic life insurance.
• Paid short-term disability.
• Voluntary long-term disability.
• Life insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Health savings account.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid time off.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Service awards.
• A 24/7 employee assistance program with access to eight confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Our Cooperative Grows Opportunity.

American Crystal Sugar Company is more than just a sugarbeet cooperative. Our company is deeply rooted in the communities of the Red River Valley. We are committed to the sustainability and growth of our business and to improving lives in the places where we work and live.

We do that by investing in our people, our communities, and the future of our company.

At American Crystal Sugar Company, growers who grow and harvest the sugarbeets also own the company and the factories that make our products.

We're proud to be an economic engine for our communities, employing approximately 1,600 full-time employees and about 900 hourly seasonal workers and many more contracted third-party workers.

Together, we build a better future for the sugar industry and the Red River Valley.

Everything We Do Benefits Our Growers and Our Communities. Our valued team members can access a variety of benefits to enhance their health, wellness, and financial security.