Plant Technician

POET; Lake Crystal (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus opportunities

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

POET is looking for a Plant Technician in Lake Crystal, MN, responsible for operating plant equipment and ensuring plant safety and efficiency. This role requires 12-hour shifts, including nights and weekends, and offers benefits like competitive bonuses, PTO, and a comprehensive health package.

Candidates should have a high school diploma and strong troubleshooting skills, with preferences for experience in production environments. Join us in converting renewable resources into valuable goods.

Qualifications

• Experience in a production environment preferred.
• Proficiency in skills on the Plant TechnicianIII Skills Checklist.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate the distributed control system (DCS) for the plant.
• Perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Document maintenance and repair activities.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Time-management

Mechanical reasoning

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Forklift

Power washer

Job description

At POET, we convert renewable resources into energy and other valuable goods. The Plant Technician position is located in Lake Crystal, MN and is an on‑site role that requires a 12‑hour shift schedule, rotating days (7:00AM–7:00PM) and nights (7:00PM–7:00AM) every six weeks, including weekends and holidays.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive bonus opportunities – up to six bonuses per year (quarterly profit sharing & value share)
• Paid time off and holidays – 40 hours of PTO available on Day1, plus a biweekly accrual program
• Comprehensive benefits package: 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
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Cold‑weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Wellness program covering mental, physical, and spiritual health with onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Plant Technician is responsible for operating all plant processing equipment, performing routine basic maintenance, and ensuring safe, efficient plant operation in a highly automated chemical facility. Responsibilities include:

• Operate the distributed control system (DCS) for the plant
• 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 processes to optimize operations
• Document maintenance and basic repair activities for all plant equipment
• Assist with preventive and predictive maintenance, including removal, installation, rebuild, and performance on all equipment
• Adhere to the sanitation schedule and complete assigned tasks to keep the plant clean
• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities
• Promote a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance
• Maintain a team environment and act as a POET ambassador in the community

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Plant TechnicianI: experience in a production environment preferred
• Plant TechnicianII: prior documented success as a Plant TechnicianI or equivalent work experience
• Plant TechnicianIII: proficiency in the skills listed on the Plant TechnicianIII Skills Checklist
• Working knowledge of 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
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn new programs
• High level of personal integrity and interpersonal skills
• Ability to promote and embrace change; innovative mindset
• Self‑awareness, objective thinking, and teamwork capability

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wear personal protective equipment: hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, harness
• Work at extreme heights (≈150 ft), in confined spaces, and at temperatures from ‑20°F to +100°F
• Use equipment such as forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, and various hand tools
• Frequent tasks: sitting in the control room, walking on uneven surfaces, carrying up to 15lb, standing, reaching, repetitive arm motions, and operating industrial vehicles
• Occasional lifting up to 50lb, pushing or pulling with forces up to 85lb, bending, twisting, kneeling, and crouching with light to medium weighted objects
• Must pass a drug screen during the pre‑screen process and be subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.