Facilities Technician

Prairie AquaTech; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie AquaTech, LLC dba Houdek is seeking a Facilities Technician to support maintenance and daily operations at our Brookings, SD research and development facility. The role reports to the Maintenance Specialist and collaborates across Aquaculture, Feed Manufacturing, Pilot Fermentation, Lab, and Office areas.

You will perform preventative maintenance, assist with feed production and aqua lab tasks, help with fermentation projects, maintain health and safety standards, and keep accurate

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Willingness to learn and get your hands dirty required.
• Ability to operate a forklift (previous experience preferred)
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Able to safely lift up to 55 lbs unassisted
• Ability to work as a member of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conducting preventative maintenance and repairs around building grounds and throughout multiple departments within the facility.
• Assisting during feed production, including weighing, mixing, extruding, oil coating, and packaging feeds.
• Assisting with day-to-day operations in aqua lab including maintaining and cleaning recirculating aquaculture systems and handling or transporting fish.
• Assisting with pilot ingredient fermentation projects including mix, cook, and dryer applications.
• Ensuring machine operations adhere to safety and quality standards.
• Maintaining equipment and facility cleanliness
• Maintaining accurate production and maintenance records
• Communicating effectively across multiple departments to support operational efficiency

Skills

Willingness to learn

Forklift operation

Good communication

Lift 55 lbs

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Job description

Facilities Technician

At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference.

We're growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of something bold and impactful. Our team works with purpose and pride, guided by the core values that shape our culture:

• Safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all.
• Quality - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Respect - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrives.
• Transparency - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners.
• Innovation - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Prairie AquaTech, LLC (dba. Houdek) is a technology company based in Brookings, South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high quality feed ingredients and the solutions they enable. Using patented technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading plant-based commodities, such as soybean meal and distillers' grain, to sustainable, high-quality ingredients and their applications for use in aquaculture and other specialty animal feeds.

JOB DUTIES

As a key member of the Houdek team, this role will be a versatile member of our team, reporting to the Maintenance Specialist but also working closely with teams across multiple departments in an operational capacity when an extra set of hands is needed. Located in Houdek's diverse 30,000 square foot research and development facility in Brookings, SD, responsibilities include:

• Conducting preventative maintenance and repairs around building grounds and throughout multiple departments within the facility including Aquaculture, Feed Manufacturing, Pilot Fermentation, Analytical Lab, and Office areas
• Assisting during feed production, including weighing, mixing, extruding, oil coating, and packaging feeds
• Assisting with day-to-day operations in aqua lab including maintaining and cleaning recirculating aquaculture systems and handling or transporting fish
• Assisting with pilot ingredient fermentation projects including mix, cook, and dryer applications
• Ensuring machine operations adhere to safety and quality standards
• Maintaining equipment and facility cleanliness
• Maintaining accurate production and maintenance records
• Communicating effectively across multiple departments to support operational efficiency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• Willingness to learn and get your hands dirty required
• Ability to operate a forklift and skid loader (previous experience preferred, but not required)
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Able to safely lift up to 55 lbs unassisted
• Ability to work as a member of a team

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is an Equal Opportunity, Affiantive Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.