Plant Technician

POET; Fairmont (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses

401K with company match

Job summary

POET in Fairmont, Minnesota is seeking a Plant Technician who will be responsible for operating plant processing equipment and performing routine maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. This role requires 12-hour shifts and involves maintaining accurate logs, troubleshooting, and assisting with complex maintenance procedures.

The ideal candidate must have a high school diploma, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in various environments, including plant, laboratory, and office settings. A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off, is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in a production environment preferred for Plant Technician I.
• Documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience required for Plant Technician II.
• Documented proficiency in skills for Plant Technician III is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain all processing equipment in the chemical facility.
• Perform routine basic maintenance and repairs of plant equipment.
• Assist in removal, installation, and preventive maintenance on all equipment.

Skills

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Working knowledge in math and reading comprehension

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Microsoft Office Suite

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 7 AM–7 PM & Nights 7 PM–7 AM (rotation every 6 weeks) – Includes weekends & holidays.

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 up to 15 lbs; 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 50 lbs; 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 50 lbs, with or without assistance; carry up to 40 lbs, with or without assistance; push with a force of 10 lbs, with or without assistance; pull with a force of up to 85 lbs, with or without assistance; bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch while holding light and medium‑weighted objects.

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

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.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution.

Quarterly Profit‑Sharing Bonuses and Bi‑Annual Incentive Bonuses.

Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.

401K with company match.

Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

Paid Parental Leave.

Tuition reimbursement.

Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations.

Other Perks

A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

Safety and cold‑weather gear reimbursements.

Discounted home and auto insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.