Plant Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus opportunities

Paid time off and holidays

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Job summary

POET is seeking a Plant Technician in Groton, SD, responsible for operating and maintaining plant processing equipment in a highly automated facility. The ideal candidate will perform routine maintenance, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and document all actions accurately.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in production, strong troubleshooting skills, and proficiency in basic Microsoft Office tools. This role offers competitive pay and various benefits, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a production environment preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills expected.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain plant processing equipment safely.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repairs.
• Document maintenance activities accurately.
• Assist in process quality control and adjustments.

Skills

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Basic Microsoft Office proficiency

Mathematical and mechanical reasoning

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience in a production environment

Tools

Maximo

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.

Work involves maintaining knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and hazards; executing SOPs; working 12‑hour shifts; and meeting call‑in requirements as needed. The position is located on site in Groton, SD.

Key Responsibilities

• Use knowledge to maintain and operate processes as required.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document these activities.
• Operate the Distributed Control System (DCS) 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; document and enter results into the PI data collection system.
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Help keep the plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing assigned tasks.
• Notify the management team of safety, environmental, quality and production concerns, problems and opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and promote the company in the community.
• Maintain and advance food safety and quality to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality.

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 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.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo, preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills, and ability to embrace change.
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.

A Successful Candidate Will Have

• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset and objective thinking.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Teamwork orientation.

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 accrual program.
• Comprehensive benefits package; individual and family plans for health, dental, and vision insurance with 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 mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
• Family‑first culture.
• On‑site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Must wear personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, harness).
• Work at extreme heights (~150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures from –20 to +100°F, indoors and outdoors.
• Work may involve dusty environments.
• Use of forklifts, power washers, pallet jacks, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, hand tools, computers.
• Tasks include sitting in the control room, walking indoors and outdoors, carrying up to 15‑lbs, climbing stairs and/or ladders, standing long periods, reaching arm’s length, repetitive arm motions, and occasional lifting up to 50lbs.
• Must pass a drug screen during pre‑screening and may undergo random 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 legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic.