Plant Technician

POET; Chancellor (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonuses

40 hours PTO from day 1

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Onsite fitness centers

Job summary

POET in Chancellor, SD is looking for a Plant Technician to operate all plant processing equipment and perform routine basic maintenance in a highly automated environment. This role requires adapting to 12-hour shifts and will include extensive on-site responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience in production environments. Strong problem-solving and organizational skills are crucial, along with the ability to work safely and efficiently in a team-oriented setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a production environment preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment.
• Operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.
• Collect and test quality control samples.
• Notify management of safety and production concerns.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Mechanical reasoning

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Microsoft Office Suite

Forklift

Various hand tools

Job description

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. SCHEDULE: Days 7am-7pm & Nights 7pm-7am (Rotation every 6 weeks). This is an on-site role located in Chancellor, SD.

Responsibilities

• 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 to 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.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.

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 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.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to think objectively and self-awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suit, 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.
• May work in dusty environments.
• Must use the following equipment/tools: forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front end loaders, various hand tools, & computers.
• Frequently: sitting in a chair in the control room while operating the plant, walking indoors and outdoors, carrying up to 15 lbs, climbing stairs, standing to clean and maintain areas, reaching at arm’s length, awkward back, shoulder, wrist, and hand positions, coordinating & gripping with a force of up to 50 lbs, repetitive arm motions to wipe down, climbing in and out of powered industrial vehicles.
• Occasionally: lifting up to 50 lbs, carrying up to 40 lbs, pushing with a force of 10 lbs, pulling with a force up to 85 lbs, bending, twisting, turning, kneeling, crouching, holding light & medium weighted objects.
• Subject to a drug screen during pre‑screen. Random drug & alcohol testing during employment.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive bonuses up to six per year (quarterly profit sharing & value share).
• 40 hours of PTO available on day 1, plus biweekly PTO accrual program.
• Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, & vision insurance plus generous employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions or locations.
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home & auto insurance.
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing mental, physical, & spiritual wellbeing.
• Family‑first culture.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

EEO Statement

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.