Heartwell Renewables - Shift Foreman - Hastings, NE

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc.; Hastings (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartwell Renewables is hiring a Shift Foreman to oversee a 24/7 renewable diesel production facility in Hastings, NE. You will lead a team of operators on a 12-hour rotating shift, ensuring safe, compliant plant operations and continuous production.

The role requires strong leadership, a solid process mindset, and the ability to coordinate with supervision on process optimization, safety, and quality goals. Expect rugged industrial conditions and a commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver’s license.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of related work experience.
• 2+ years of lead operator experience.
• Strong process mindset with ability to read P&IDs, PFDs, and SOPs; comfortable basic computer programs such as Excel/Word tools.
• Strong work ethic including but not limited to strong communication skills, hardworking, dedicated and punctual.
• Willingness to perform incipient fire response and other emergency response activities as trained.
• Willingness to work a rotating shift schedule and overtime as required by business needs.
• Be fit to perform the essential functions of the job. Be comfortable working in an industrial environment that may include loud areas near rotating, operating, or heavy equipment, extreme temperatures, dust, work at heights, entry into confined spaces, and other potential chemical or atmospheric hazards requiring the use of appropriate PPE.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time, lift minimum 40 lbs., climb ladders, stairs and work from elevated platforms.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, including job specific technical language, sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and control room systems (e.g., DCS/SCADA - DeltaV preferred)
• Other minimum qualifications may apply

Responsibilities

• Communicate guidance on shift from supervision for operations, maintenance of plant equipment, process optimization, and quality management goals.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and team development for operators.
• Supervise and lead a team of operators during 12-hour shifts on a 24/7 operating schedule.
• Ensure all SOPs, safety protocols, and environmental regulations are followed.
• Provide direction and support in routine and emergency situations.
• Carry out and coordinate nights, weekends and holiday operations activities to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant performance.
• Conduct safety checks, audit, and participate in safety meetings.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and reporting requirements.
• Lead shift handovers and communicate clearly with incoming crews and management regarding plant status and ongoing tasks.
• Resolve conflict and deescalate issues that arise during shift. Communicate any needed information to supervisor/HR.
• Coordinate Operator call outs to fill short notice vacancies in the schedule.
• Report on shift status, operational changes, and issues to management and oncoming shift.
• Identify skills gaps and coordinate with management on developmental opportunities.
• Mentor and train junior operators and new hires.
• Participate in PSSR’s and other operational processes to ensure safe operation.
• Report equipment failures, participate in incident investigations and assist in root cause analysis.
• Maintain accurate records of shift activities, production data, incidents, and maintenance needs.
• Participate in emergency response drills and ensure crew readiness for unplanned events.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including process efficiency, safety performance, and crew development.
• Monitor process conditions, troubleshoot issues, and assist in optimizing plant operations.
• Identify and review hazards, risks and opportunities on an ongoing and proactive basis and ensure that appropriate follow up actions are implemented.
• Enforce company policies, including a strict alcohol and drug policy.
• Travel up to 5% of the time.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Problem-solving

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Excel/Word

Control room systems (DeltaV)

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Heartwell Renewables - Shift Foreman - Hastings, NE

Location: Hastings, NE, US, 68901

Welcome to Heartwell! Heartwell Renewables manufactures and distributes renewable diesel fuel. Guided by our core values, we lead the safe production of renewable fuel to transport everyday products more sustainably. We are recruiting for a Shift Foreman responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the renewable diesel production facility during the assigned shift. Serving as the lead operations representative onsite, the Shift Foreman coordinates daily activities, monitors process conditions, and ensures adherence to safety, environmental, and operational procedures. This role is essential to maintaining continuous plant operation on a 24/7 basis and requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Successful applicants will also be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, background check, physical fitness assessment, respiratory fit test, and pulmonary function test (as needed).

Job Functions:

• Communicate guidance on shift from supervision for operations, maintenance of plant equipment, process optimization, and quality management goals.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and team development for operators.
• Supervise and lead a team of operators during 12-hour shifts on a 24/7 operating schedule.
• Ensure all standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and environmental regulations are followed.
• Provide direction and support in routine and emergency situations.
• Carry out and coordinate nights, weekends and holiday operations activities to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant performance.
• Conduct safety checks, audit, and participate in safety meetings.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and reporting requirements.
• Lead shift handovers and communicate clearly with incoming crews and management regarding plant status and ongoing tasks.
• Resolve conflict and deescalate issues that arise during shift. Communicate any needed information to supervisor/HR.
• Coordinate Operator call outs to fill short notice vacancies in the schedule.
• Report on shift status, operational changes, and issues to management and oncoming shift.
• Identify skills gaps and coordinate with management on developmental opportunities.
• Mentor and train junior operators and new hires.
• Participate in PSSR’s and other operational processes to ensure safe operation.
• Report equipment failures, participate in incident investigations and assist in root cause analysis.
• Maintain accurate records of shift activities, production data, incidents, and maintenance needs.
• Participate in emergency response drills and ensure crew readiness for unplanned events.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including process efficiency, safety performance, and crew development.
• Monitor process conditions, troubleshoot issues, and assist in optimizing plant operations.
• Identify and review hazards, risks and opportunities on an ongoing and proactive basis and ensure that appropriate follow up actions are implemented.
• Enforce company policies, including a strict alcohol and drug policy.
• Travel up to 5% of the time.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• Valid driver’s license
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED
• 5+ years of related work experience
• 2+ years of lead operator experience
• Strong process mindset with ability to read P&IDs, PFDs, and SOPs; comfortable basic computer programs such as Excel/Word tools.
• Strong work ethic including but not limited to strong communication skills, hardworking, dedicated and punctual.
• Willingness to perform incipient fire response and other emergency response activities as trained.
• Willingness to work a rotating shift schedule and overtime as required by business needs.
• Be fit to perform the essential functions of the job. Be comfortable working in an industrial environment that may include loud areas near rotating, operating, or heavy equipment, extreme temperatures, dust, work at heights, entry into confined spaces, and other potential chemical or atmospheric hazards requiring the use of appropriate PPE.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time, lift minimum 40 lbs., climb ladders, stairs and work from elevated platforms.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, including job specific technical language, sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and control room systems (e.g., DCS/SCADA - DeltaV preferred)
• Other minimum qualifications may apply

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of Supervisory or leadership experience
• Familiarity with PSM, ISO standards, and environmental compliance systems
• Experience with Lean/Continuous Improvement activities
• Experience in Renewable/Bio Diesel, Vegetable Oil Refining, Oil and Gas Industry, or a PSM regulated facility

Heartwell Renewables is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for career growth and development.

Our Culture:

Fueling customers' journeys since 1964, innovation leads the way for this family-owned and operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City. With nearly 40,000 team members, travel stops are the core business along with products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, traveling public, RVers, alternative energy and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities and an inclusive workplace are hallmarks of the award-winning culture.

Love's is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply.

Nearest Major Market: Hastings
Nearest Secondary Market: Kearney