Material Handler

POET; Ashton (ID); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive BONUS opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition reimbursement

Attractive Relocation Assistance

Job summary

POET is seeking a Material Handler to join our team in Ashton, Idaho. The role involves loading and unloading products using heavy machinery while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Candidates must have a high school diploma and ideally some experience with truck loading. We offer competitive pay, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and PTO starting on Day 1.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in truck loading and unloading preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite basics.

Responsibilities

• Load trucks and rail cars with POET products.
• Assist with unloading functions.
• Complete the grading of products.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Critical thinking skills

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Heavy machinery

Skid loaders

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

Eligible Team Members may receive 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. A family‑first culture. Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Material Handler is responsible for loading dried distillers' grains, ethanol, corn oil, wet cake feed, distiller’s syrup, or biomass into trucks and rail cars. Team members in this position use mechanical equipment, meters or scales as well as computers and software equipment when loading products to ensure a timely delivery and product safety. Based on training provided, the Material Handler may also complete the grading of grain products or biomass. This is an on‑site role located in Ashton, IA.

• Load trucks and rail cars with feed and fuel products of POET bioprocessing facilities using mechanical equipment, meters and scales as required to ensure timely delivery of products.
• Assist with grain product or biomass and supply truck unloading functions.
• Complete the grading of grain products or biomass using training provided.
• Operate large machinery and equipment; may be required to obtain DOT certification.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Enter bins adhering to POET’s confined space procedures.
• Complete HAZMAT paperwork when necessary.
• Learn, maintain and operate all processes associated with the grains operation including repair and maintenance.
• Remove, install, rebuild, lubricate and clean all equipment associated with the grains process.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks as directed.
• Be required to work outdoors, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to meet call‑in requirements as well as work extended hours as necessary.
• Assist with running the bioprocessing facility scale house and learn required software applications.
• Work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business‑related matters.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience requirements:
  • Material Handler I: No experience required.
  • Material Handler II: Documented successful performance as a Material Handler I or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience and knowledge in the operation of heavy machinery, skid loaders or other associated heavy loading or material‑moving equipment preferred.
• Experience in truck loading and unloading, including rail tank car and tanker truck preferred.
• DOT certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to think objectively.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• 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.
• Must 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.
• Frequent actions: climb a step ladder and/or stairs; walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces; reach forward, backward, and overhead to fill railcars; reach at arm’s length to gather samples; be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions; use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50 lbs; bend while standing; climb in & out of Powered Industrial Vehicles.
• Occasional actions: grip with a force of 40 lbs to prep rail cars; kneel and crouch and pull tools with a force of up to 95 lbs; carry up 40 lbs, sometimes up stairs, with or without assistance; pull with a force of up to 120 lbs, with or without assistance; bend forward to fill railcars.
• 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.

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.