Operations Center Specialist - Night Shift

empirical Foods; North Sioux City (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

empirical Foods is seeking an Operations Center Specialist to monitor and operate industrial processes and equipment, ensuring safe and efficient plant operations and adherence to approved action plans.

This role also supports research and development testing and pilot runs for product and equipment development, with a 12-hour rotating night schedule (6pm–6am). The position emphasizes reliable communication, documentation, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, or verifiable ability to perform essential job functions.
• Vocational school or technical college education is preferred.
• Well-rounded, practical experience may be substituted in lieu of education.

Responsibilities

• Remotely monitor and operate industrial equipment; document downtime and parameter changes.
• Communicate information via screens, radio, phone, and email promptly.
• Follow action plans to respond to routine and emergency situations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining graphical systems with programmers.
• Coordinate with lead specialists to optimize response during high-demand situations.
• Ensure safety and security of people, equipment, and property.
• Support shift transitions and communicate activities to the next shift.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Through the use of computers, graphical interfaces and visual references, the Operations Center Specialist will monitor and operate industrial processes and equipment in accordance to approved action plans. This position will also monitor all facilities to protect people, equipment, and property, taking appropriate action as needed. Position will also assist in research and development testing and pilot runs for product and/or equipment development and testing.
Join our dedicated night shift team and be part of a group that keeps things moving around the clock. You will work a 12-hour alternating weekly schedule.
Schedule 1 6pm-6am Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
Schedule 2 6pm-6am Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday

• Remotely monitor and operate industrial equipment. Record, document, and communicate information related to areas such as downtime, out of parameter conditions, testing, CIP, and normal production, which includes startup/shut down of production. Work closely with plant personnel for smooth operation of plant.
• Monitor and communicate information using equipment systems such as graphical computer screens, radio, telephone, and email in an efficient and timely manner.
• Follow established action plans, procedures, and policies to respond to routine and emergency situations such as plant startup, CIP, and out of parameter conditions.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of graphical systems, working with programmers to maintain an accurate representation of existing systems. Report any errors or problems with the system and make suggestions for enhancements to the current system.
• Receive direction and work closely with lead operations center specialists to optimize effectiveness when dealing with critical or high demand situations and new systems.
• Responsible for the security and safety of people, equipment, and property. Monitor and appropriately respond to situations as needed.
• Responsible for a smooth shift transition to prevent disruption to department and plant operations. Effectively communicate shift activity, problems, etc. to next shift.
• May act as a backup to answer and transfer phone calls, relay messages, and receive deliveries and guests as needed. May be required to travel to remote locations and receive on-site training.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills And Abilities

• Basic computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Ability to maintain alertness while sitting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in low lighting and provide constant use of sight and hearing.
• Ability to multi-task and react quickly and efficiently in a consistently changing environment.
• Ability to follow direction and make sound decisions when necessary.
• Mechanical aptitude is advantageous.
• Effective communication skills in both verbal and written form.
• Must have regular and punctual attendance.

Physical Requirements

• Office setting.

Experience

Mechanical and/or electrical background is preferred.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent, or verifiable ability to perform essential job functions. Vocational school or technical college education is preferred. Well-rounded, practical experience may be substituted in lieu of education.

Department

Systems Engineering

Reports to (if applicable)

Operations Center Supervisor