Plant Technician

POET; Fostoria (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus opportunities

Paid time off and paid holidays

Comprehensive benefits package

401(K) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

POET in Fostoria, OH is seeking a Plant Technician responsible for operating all plant processing equipment and performing routine maintenance in a highly automated facility. Responsibilities include equipment operation, basic repairs, and maintenance while ensuring safety compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma and demonstrate strong troubleshooting skills, effective communication, and the ability to work on a 12-hour shift schedule. Competitive bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package are included.

Qualifications

• Experience in a production environment preferred.
• Documented proficiency in skills for advanced positions.
• Ability to perform basic electrical troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain all processes associated with the plant.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment.
• Collect and test quality control samples to optimize operations.

Skills

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Mechanical reasoning

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About POET

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 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, plus a biweekly PTO accrual program


• Comprehensive benefits package; individual and family plans for health, dental, and vision insurance, including a 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


• Attractive relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations


• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements


• Discounted home and auto insurance


• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

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. The role includes safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of all bioprocessing equipment. The Technician may assist Maintenance Technicians with more complex procedures and must maintain knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and hazards associated with the process.

• Maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant.


• 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 adjust to optimize plant operations.


• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment.


• Follow the sanitation schedule to keep the plant clean.


• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns.


• Promote a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.


• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes.


• Perform other work as assigned.

Shift: 12‑hour shift work. The Technician must adapt to 12‑hour workdays and be able to meet call‑in requirements as needed. This is an on‑site role located in Fostoria, OH.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Experience: 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 required.


• Experience with software systems such as Maximo preferred.


• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills and ability to embrace change.


• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn new programs.


• High level of personal integrity; interpersonal skills; ability to embrace and promote change; innovative mindset; objective thinking; self‑awareness; ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The Technician must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided: forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, various hand tools, and computers. The job involves working at extreme heights (≈150 ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures ranging from –20 to +100°F, both indoors and outdoors. A dusty environment is common. Physical tasks include:

• Wearing personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suits, hearing protection, harness).


• Frequent sitting in the control room while operating the plant.


• Walking indoors and outdoors over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces.


• Carrying up to 15 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs with or without assistance.


• Climbing stairs and/or ladders, standing, reaching, bending, twisting, and kneeling while holding light and medium weighted objects.


• Using force up to 50 lbs to grip and lift.


• Occasional pushing and pulling up to 85 lbs with or without assistance.


• Periodic lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, twisting, turning, kneeling, and crouching holding light to medium weighted objects.


• Subject to a physical screen, drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.