Material Handler

POET; Hudson (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

POET is looking for a Material Handler in Hudson, South Dakota. This role includes loading trucks and rail cars with feed and fuel products, operating heavy machinery, and ensuring safety compliance in all activities.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, with a preference for those experienced in material handling or heavy machinery operation. This position requires teamwork and adherence to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Material Handler I: No experience required.
• Experience with heavy machinery preferred.
• DOT certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Load trucks and rail cars with products using mechanical equipment.
• Assist with grain product unloading functions.
• Maintain safety and environmental compliance.

Skills

Heavy machinery experience

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Material-moving equipment

Job description

Material Handler

Job Summary & Responsibilities

• Load trucks and rail cars with feed and fuel products using mechanical equipment, meters and scales to ensure timely delivery.
• Assist with grain product or biomass and supply truck unloading functions.
• Complete grading of grain products or biomass after training.
• Operate large machinery and equipment; may be required to obtain DOT certification.
• Maintain a clean work area, enter bins following confined space procedures, and complete HAZMAT paperwork when necessary.
• Learn, maintain and operate all processes associated with the grain operation, including repair, maintenance, and preventative maintenance tasks.
• Work outdoor, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required, and meet call‑in requirements.
• Assist with bioprocessing facility scale house operations and required software applications.
• Maintain safety and environmental compliance, confidentiality, and promote a culture of ethical behavior.
• Support a team environment and champion POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance food safety and quality standards of POET’s products.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Material Handler I: No experience required.
• Material Handler II: Documented successful performance as a Material Handler I or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience with heavy machinery, skid loaders, or other material‑moving equipment preferred.
• Experience in truck loading and unloading, including rail tank cars and tanker trucks preferred.
• DOT certification preferred.
• Basic Microsoft Office Suite knowledge and ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change and think innovatively.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Team‑oriented work style.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wearing personal protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, and other specified gear.
• Working at extreme heights (≈150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures from –20°F to +100°F.
• Operating hand tools, skid loaders, scoop shovels, pipe wrenches, impact wrenches, air hoses, shuttle wagons, payloader, and Trackmobile.
• Climbing ladders or stairs, walking on uneven or wet surfaces, reaching overhead, and working in awkward positions.
• Performing tasks that may require forces up to 120lbs (pulling, carrying, kneeling, crouching).
• Subject to a physical test and random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment.

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.