Plant Operator Intern

Koch; Duncombe (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Educational assistance

Paid vacation/time off

Retirement

Job summary

Koch Fertilizer in Fort Dodge, IA is seeking a Plant Operator Intern for a 12-week summer program from late May to mid-August 2027. You will support daily plant operations, monitor equipment, collect data, and work with operators and maintenance to improve reliability.

The internship is aimed at students in manufacturing and industrial fields who are eligible for full-time employment by May 2028 and can meet physical requirements.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a technical or vocational program related to manufacturing or similar field.
• Eligible for full-time employment before or by May 2028.
• Willing and able to meet all physical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of production equipment.
• Perform operational rounds, monitor process conditions, and record data for safe and reliable plant performance.
• Collaborate with operators and maintenance to identify issues and improve equipment reliability.
• Follow safety, environmental, and operating procedures while gaining hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Work on projects representative of the work performed by full-time operators.

Skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Industrial operations

Education

Currently enrolled in technical/vocational program

Job description

Koch Fertilizer has a summer 2027 opportunity available in Fort Dodge, Iowa as a Plant Operator Intern. The internship opportunity will be a 12-week program running from late May to mid-August 2027.

What You Will Do

• Support daily plant operations by assisting with the operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of production equipment.
• Perform operational rounds, monitor process conditions, and record data to help ensure safe and reliable plant performance.
• Partner with operators and maintenance teams to identify issues, support troubleshooting efforts, and improve equipment reliability.
• Follow safety, environmental, and operating procedures while gaining hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Work on projects and tasks that are representative of the work performed by our full‑time operators

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Bending, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Wearing industrial chemical plant uniforms and PPE as required.
• Confined space entry may be required.
• Ability to work in an industrial environment which includes availability for shift work and emergency call outs, while working indoors and outdoors.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Currently enrolled in a technical or vocational program related to manufacturing, industrial operations, maintenance, instrumentation, HVAC, or a similar field.
• Eligible for full-time employment before or by May 2028
• Willing and able to meet all physical requirements.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting or previous military experience.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

As a Koch Ag & Energy Solutions company, Koch Fertilizer delivers a full line of fertilizers designed to boost crop performance and help growers reach their yields. Our team also brings logistical expertise and a wide range of invaluable services, from delivered freight and logistics capabilities to online shipment tracking. At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• flexible spending and health savings accounts
• life insurance
• ADD
• disability
• retirement
• paid vacation/time off
• educational assistance
• may also include infertility assistance
• paid parental leave and adoption assistance

Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).