Plant Operator

POET; Ashton (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Plant Technician to join their team. This role involves operating and maintaining plant processing equipment in a highly automated facility. You'll be responsible for routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring safety compliance. With a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement, you will contribute to optimizing plant operations while enjoying a supportive and growth-oriented work environment. If you're passionate about renewable resources and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Competitive bonus opportunities

Paid time off and holidays

Comprehensive health insurance

401K with company match

Relocation assistance

Fitness reimbursements

Discounted home and auto insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in a production environment preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills required.
• Ability to understand bioprocessing operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain all plant processing equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Document maintenance activities and maintain logs.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Mechanical reasoning

Math skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Microsoft Office Suite

Forklift

Power washer

Pallet jack

Job description

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

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 Plant Technician is responsible for the operation of all plant processing equipment and performing routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. In the area of maintenance, Plant Technicians are responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of all equipment associated with bioprocessing processes. At times, Plant Technicians may be asked to assist Maintenance Technicians in more technical and complex maintenance procedures. Team members in this position are required to maintain knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and be aware of hazards associated with the process as well as understand and execute standard operating procedures (SOPs). Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work. Plant Technicians must be able to adapt to 12-hour workdays and be able to meet call-in requirements as needed.

Use your knowledge to maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant where required.

Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document these activities.

Operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.

Safely perform basic electrical troubleshooting.

Follow procedures for plant start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and batching.

Maintain accurate and timely logs.

Collect and test quality control samples, interpret QA/QC results and make adjustments to optimize plant operations, timely and accurately document results and enter results into our data collection system, PI.

Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.

Help keep your plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all tasks as assigned.

Notify the management team of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.

Keep your plant safe by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.

Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.

Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience requirements:

Plant Technician I: experience in a production environment preferred.

Plant Technician II: Documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience required.

Plant Technician III: Documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Plant Technician III Skills Checklist.

Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning is required.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required.

Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred.

Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.

You have the ability to understand the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.

You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, and office environments. You may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.

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.

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, hazardous material suits, 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. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.

Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all-encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front-End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.

Frequently:

Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant

Walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces

Carry to up to 15lbs

Climb stairs and/or ladders

Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas

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 50lbs

Bend while standing

Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain the work area

Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles

Occasionally:

Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance

Carry up to 40 lbs, with or without assistance

Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance

Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistance

Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch while holding light and medium-weighted objects

Since we are all about team work, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique set of physical requirements.

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 (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

About Poet

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.