Maintenance Technician

POET; Scotland Township (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus opportunities

40 hours PTO on day one

Comprehensive benefits package

401K with company match

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

POET in Scotland, SD is seeking a Maintenance Technician for on-site, 12-hour shift coverage as needed. You’ll perform preventive maintenance, equipment repairs, and plant cleanings across bioprocessing operations. Responsibilities include boiler and cooling systems, pumps, conveyors, PLCs, and safe maintenance execution.

The role requires familiarity with SOPs, lockout/tagout, and a proactive safety mindset. You will train teammates and support continuous operation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting; repair of pumps, gearboxes, valves; boiler operations and water testing helpful.
• Able to read schematic drawings; familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work with team members and other departments.
• Maintain boiler and cooling tower systems including water testing.
• Maintain plant equipment (pumps, motors, gearboxes, PLCs, heat exchangers).
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform LOTO procedures.
• Operate water filtration and DCS systems; document maintenance tasks.

Skills

Integrity

Interpersonal skills

Bioprocess knowledge

Problem solving

Change management

Innovative thinking

Objectivity

Time management

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

DCS

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
• All POET Team Members enjoy
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Family-first culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient repair, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes. Team members in this position will also perform maintenance tasks on all plant equipment. Maintenance Technicians are accountable for communicating any issues to the management team. Maintenance Technicians should be knowledgeable of process flow, computerized equipment and have an awareness of hazards associated with the process as well as display an understanding and ability to execute standard operating procedures (SOPs). As a team member grows in their skill and experience levels they are expected to become proficient in all maintenance functions at the Bioprocessing facility and be capable of training other team members in all areas. Continuous plant operation may require the Maintenance Technician to work 12-hour shifts and/or meet call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site role located in Scotland, SD.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate work functions with fellow team members and other departments within POET.
• Maintain boiler and cooling tower systems including water testing and adjusting.
• Maintain all plant equipment including, but not limited to: centrifuges (decanters and corn oil), pumps, motors, gearboxes, minor electrical systems, PLC’s, heat exchangers, compressors, grain handling equipment, and fans or blowers.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Perform Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) functions on the equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and clean the water filtration equipment.
• Understand and as needed operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.
• Use Maximo to coordinate and order materials to complete projects and thoroughly document all maintenance tasks and spare part inventory.
• Work with the management team to solve problems and fix unsafe conditions.
• Use your knowledge of plant processes to understand how the equipment is utilized.
• Operate equipment including, but not limited to: telehandler, skid steers, tractors, ATVs, pay loaders, aerial lifts and fork lifts.
• Perform welding, cutting, and fabrication on plant and structural equipment.
• Be responsible for concrete work including building forms, pouring, and finishing.
• Maintain a clean facility and follow the sanitation schedule completing all tasks as assigned.
• Keep your plant safe by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Train new team members in the Maintenance Department.
• Clearly and concisely communicate with other departments.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent required. Documented successful performance as a Maintenance Technician I or equivalent work experience required. Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting; repair of equipment such as pumps, gearboxes, airlocks, fans/blowers, agitator assemblies, and valves; boiler operations and water chemistry; material handling systems such as conveyors; preventative maintenance practices, fabrication and repair of metal/plastic piping systems; and instrument and electrical work preferred. Experience with concrete work, hydraulics, pneumatic and fluid processes, and ability to read schematic drawings is helpful. 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
• Ability to understand technical and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Organization and time management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Ability to understand technical and day to day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Organization and time management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:

• 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.
• Be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): 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: Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions; Bend forward while standing; Reach overhead; Pull up to 40lbs; Kneel and crouch for up to 15 minutes at a time.
• Occasionally: Pull up to 95lbs, with or without assistance; Lift and carry up to 50lbs, with or without assistance; Grip with a force of up to 80lbs; Sit for 15 minutes on a stool, sometimes rotation sitting; Pinch with a force of 20lbs; Push up to 20lbs.

Due to the physical and safety‑sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre‑screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work‑life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset. 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.

Over the past 30 years of bioprocessing leadership, we've assembled the industry's strongest team of engineers, scientists, financial analysts and more. Along the way, we've carefully selected team members who share our core values and pride in everything we do. That's common sense—and it's led to some of the most creative bioprocessing work in the world. The people of POET make working here a challenging, exhilarating place to advance a career. They accomplish great things for millions of Americans and find great satisfaction in helping our country in so many ways.