Fermentation Specialist - Day Shift

Prairie AquaTech; Volga Township (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie AquaTech is seeking a Fermentation Specialist to join their Houdek team in Volga, SD. You will contribute to aseptically preparing sterile seed cultures and monitoring culture growth across lab to production scales.

The role emphasizes safety, precise data logging, and collaboration with the production team to ensure smooth fermentation operations. The ideal candidate has a science background, hands-on microbiology or aseptic technique experience, and a strong focus on detail and

Qualifications

• BSc or related science/engineering study with lab experience.
• Experience with aseptic culture handling and microbiology basics.
• Ability to follow SOPs and work independently with precision.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety procedures and health standards.
• Prepare sterile seed cultures from lab to production scale.
• Evaluate culture purity, growth, and quality in seed train.
• Operate equipment per instructions and log data accurately.
• Maintain and clean equipment; observe gauges and indicators.
• Communicate with production and report maintenance needs.
• Complete LMS training and proficiency tests.
• Progress through tier levels via ongoing learning.

Skills

Multitasking

Microbiology

Aseptic technique

Troubleshooting

Plant operations equipment experience

Microscopy

Spectroscopy

Assay development

SOP adherence

Independent work

Time management

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Laboratory safety

Physical capability (lift 50 lbs)

Education

BSc in a science-related field

Associate degree/diploma in a science or engineering field

Job description

Fermentation Specialist

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 Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is a manufacturing company based in Volga South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high-quality feed ingredients. Using patent-pending technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading soybean meal to high-quality ingredients used in aquaculture and other animal feeds.

JOB DUTIES

As a key member of the Fermentation team, this role will report to the Fermentation Supervisor and will be responsible for the following:

• Respect a culture of safety first for you and your peers through strict adherence to health and safety procedures and protocols.
• Meticulously execute Standard Operating Procedures, including checklists, for aseptically preparing sterile seed cultures for production fermentation, with culture sizes ranging from lab to production scale
• Evaluate culture purity, cell growth, and cell quality in the production seed train and primary fermentation.
• Monitor and operate equipment per operational instructions and use a distributed control system.
• Perform maintenance, inspection, and cleaning of equipment following operational instructions.
• Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure equipment is working correctly.
• Communicate with the production team to facilitate processes.
• Report on when maintenance or repairs are necessary.
• Complete all required LMS and field training.
• Notify the Fermentation Supervisor or Shift Lead of any problems or issues.
• Ensure complete and accurate log entries of all pertinent operational issues.
• Ensure complete and accurate RECs, checklists, and shift reports.
• Evaluate data daily to ensure the process is under control.Ensure data is correct and up to date in the tracking file.
• Responsible for continued learning and progression through tier levels.
• Pass all proficiency tests as required.
• Become efficient at using microscopes.
• Any other tasks as assigned.

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.

• BSc in a science-related field or associate degree/diploma in a science or engineering field preferred.
• Ability to multitask and maintain focus and quality of each task.
• Experience and/or coursework in microbiology and aseptic technique preferred.
• Strong technical and mechanical troubleshooting abilities preferred.
• Experience with plant operations equipment is a plus.
• Experience with microscopy, spectroscopy, and assay development is a plus.
• Ability to follow company Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to work independently and with excellent time management.
• Ability to follow protocols with high precision and accuracy.
• Keen attention to detail with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Quick and effective diagnosis and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative 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.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee employment. As part of our hiring process, Houdek reserves the right to conduct background investigations, which may include verification of education, past employment, and professional references, as well as criminal history checks where permitted by law. Background checks will be conducted when deemed necessary and appropriate for the role being considered, and any such inquiries will be handled in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment consideration. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the conviction. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and understand that falsification of information may result in removal from the hiring process or termination if already employed.