Plant Technician

POET; Shell Rock (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

PTO & holidays

Health, dental & vision

401K with company match

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Safety gear reimbursements

Wellness program

Onsite fitness centers

Job summary

POET is seeking a Plant Technician to operate and maintain plant processes on a 12-hour shift (days 7am–7pm, nights 7pm–7am, rotation every 6 weeks). This on-site role is based in Shell Rock, IA and requires strong troubleshooting, documentation, and teamwork to support safe, efficient production.

Responsibilities include operating the DCS, performing basic electrical troubleshooting, maintaining logs, and participating in start-up/shut-down, sanitation, and QA/QC activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Plant Technician I: experience in a production environment preferred.
• Plant Technician II: documented progression from I or equivalent.
• Plant Technician III: proficiency in skills on the Plant Technician III Checklist.

Responsibilities

• Use your knowledge to maintain and operate all processes related to 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 QA/QC samples, interpret results, and enter data into PI.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Teamwork

Safety culture

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Microsoft Office

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 humanly 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

Eligible Team Members may receive $$

• 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, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!
• Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K 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
• All POET Team Members enjoy A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually 'Family-first' culture Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work.

Schedule: Days 7am-7pm & Nights 7pm-7am (Rotation every 6 weeks) This is an on-site role located in Shell Rock, IA.

Responsibilities include:

• 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. You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• 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
• 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. 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 to up to 15lbs 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 50lbs Bend while standing Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles Occasionally: Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance Carry up to 40 lbs, with our without assistance Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, 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. 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.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.

We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

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. 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. Over the past 30 years of bioprocessing leadership, we've assembled the industry's strongest team of engineers, scientists, financial analysts and more. Along the way, we've carefully selected team members who share our core values and pride in everything we do. That's common sense—and it's led to some of the most creative bioprocessing work in the world. The people of POET make working here a challenging, exhilarating place to advance a career. They accomplish great things for millions of Americans and find great satisfaction in helping our country in so many ways.