Operator

Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC; Iowa (LA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC is seeking a dedicated Plant Operator to join our team. You will operate plant processes (slurry or distillation & evaporation), read procedures, collect samples, and ensure safety and quality in every step.

Responsibilities include process monitoring, equipment operation, cross-training, and maintaining logs, while collaborating with the lab and maintenance teams to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, time management, multitasking, detail-oriented, computer skills, and problem solving are required.
• No prior production experience is required, though it is helpful.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work a 12-hour swing rotation, including night hours.

Responsibilities

• Read, understand, and follow operating procedures for plant and equipment.
• Collect samples from front-end or back-end processes (proof & moisture).
• Accurately measure ingredients for fermentation.
• Operate lab equipment and read technical readings.
• Troubleshoot and inspect plant areas to locate problems.
• Review slurry and fermentation processes to ensure quality.
• Review distillation and evaporation processes; certify ethanol before transport.
• Follow Operations Objectives to meet facility goals.
• Coordinate with lab to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety per laws and regulations.
• Coordinate with maintenance to anticipate or fix problems.
• Handle chemicals per MSDS safety sheets.
• Keep accurate logs and records.
• Monitor, load, and unload trucks; cross-train with other operators.
• Work with training coordinator to understand processes and terms.
• Follow LOTO procedures and enter confined spaces if needed.
• Operate JLG, forklift, scissor lifts, skid/end loaders.

Skills

communication skills

time management

multi-tasking

detail oriented

computer skills

problem solving

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Plant Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for plant operations (either Slurry or Distillation & Evaporation) to ensure maximum quality and quantity in accordance with the company’s operation objectives . This role requires a strong attention to detail, the ability to work collaboratively, and a commitment to maintaining safety and quality standards. As a Plant Operator, you will play a crucial role in ensuring efficient production processes while adhering to company policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Able to read, understand and follow standard operating procedures for operation of plant and associated equipment.
• Collect timely samples from the front-end process or back-end process (proof &moisture)
• Accurate measure of ingredients when sending additions to a fermentation tank
• Able to operate laboratory equipment and make technical readings from samples collected.
• Able to troubleshoot, anticipate and correct problems associated with plant operations. May need to inspect different areas of the plant to locate problems.
• Able to review the slurry and fermentation process to ensure accuracy and the highest quality of product. (Slurry Operator)
• Able to review the distillation and evaporation process to ensure accuracy and the highest quality of product. Certification of the ethanol before it can be transported. (D&E Operator)
• Follow the Operations Objectives to reach the facility’s performance objectives and overall goals.
• Communicate with the lab to anticipate or remedy any problems to ensure the highest quality and optimize the facility’s efficiency.
• Keep the facility clean and safe taking into account all local city, state and federal laws and regulations in all operations of the plant. General Housekeeping.
• Communicate with the maintenance department to anticipate or fix problems in a timely manner.
• Handle chemicals according to the MSDS safety sheets.
• Keep and record an accurate and timely log.
• Monitor, load and/or unload trucks such as but not limited to chemicals.
• Cross train with other operators to assure adequate coverage during unexpected interruptions in the plant. May need to watch the boards when a supervisor has to step away.
• Work with the training coordinator in understanding the process (why we are doing what we are doing) along with technical terms
• LOTO procedures and may need to enter a confined space (during Shutdown)

Accurate measures/readings for inventory control.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must possess excellent communication skills, time-management skills, multi-tasking, detail-oriented, computer skills and problem solving skills.

Education and Experience:

No prior experience required. Prior production experience is helpful.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Must have ability to work a 12-hour swing rotation shift and be willing to work overtime. May need to work outside during the night hours.
• Manage Confined Space Entry
• Shoveling of corn or other bulk materials and other duties involving strenuous physical labor.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
• Able to work within facilities and outdoors, with exposure to large moving equipment, chemicals, loud noises, vibrations, dusty conditions, extreme temperatures
• Operate and manage general office equipment
• Able to freely access all areas of Company premises, including going up and down stairs
• Ability to climb and maintain balance on ladders and elevated walkways and work at heights of at least 30 feet but may extend to 150 feet such as top of grain leg (plugged leg or troubleshooting).
• Follow all safety precautions.

Operate the JLG, fork lift, scissor lifts, skid loader/end loader.