Production Operator - Fermentation

Novonesis; Blair (NE); On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Vacation time and holidays

Wellness time

Job summary

Novonesis is hiring a Production Operator for the Fermentation Department. You will prepare raw materials, monitor and maintain equipment, and perform minor repairs to ensure safe, compliant operations in our biotech facility.

The role requires 3+ years in industrial manufacturing, strong computer literacy, and physical ability to handle up to 60 pounds. Training and certification tests are part of the pathway toward Operator II and Senior Operator roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience preferred.
• Proficient computer literacy is required.
• Ability to move around the factory, lift up to 60 pounds, and operate equipment.
• Must be able to pass a written test for certification purposes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare raw materials for production.
• Troubleshoot equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Operate plant processing computers and monitor systems.
• Replace parts as needed and perform routine testing for quality.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance in production processes.

Skills

Computer literacy

Manual dexterity

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Industrial machinery

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?Join us as our new Production Operator in the Fermentation Department. Our Production Operators at Novonesis are skilled workers tasked with setting up, monitoring, and maintaining equipment and processes in our industrial biotechnology factory. Our industrial biotechnology factory uses microbes (living organisms found in nature) to produce BioSolutions—enzymes produced by fermenting and feeding microbes—and proteins used as food ingredients. These BioSolutions support a wide range of industries, including food, household care, animal nutrition, and biofuels.The Role & Your ImpactIn this role, you'll ensure safety, quality, and compliance of our production processes. Daily responsibilities include:Preparing raw materialsTroubleshooting equipmentOperating plant processing computersMaking minor repairs and replacing partsTesting materials for quality and complianceWhat You’ll Need to Be SuccessfulHigh school diploma or equivalent3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience preferredProficient computer literacyAbility to move freely around the factory and outdoor surroundings, including pushing, pulling, kneeling, and squattingAbility to lift up to 60 pounds unassistedAbility to manually manipulate and operate equipment and tools (e.g., turning valves, aligning hoses)Use of PPE including uniform, hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, hair net, beard net, and respiratorAbility to climb stairs and work at heights (ladders, platforms, tanks)Ability to enter and work in confined spacesAbility to pass a written test for certification purposesWays of Working / Working ConditionsSchedule:12-hour shifts alternating between days & nights every 2 weeks (6:30–7:00 am/pm)2‑2‑3 rotation:Week 1: Work Mon–Tue, off Wed–Thu, work Fri–SunWeek 2: Off Mon–Tue, work Wed–Thu, off Fri–SunAdditional InformationOvertime is frequently availableMandatory Certification program with promotion opportunities to Operator II and Senior OperatorCompensation & BenefitsHourly Pay:$25.05 base rate$3/hr night shift differential1.5× Sunday pay rateBenefits you will enjoy:401(k) with up to a 9% company contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision & Life insuranceHealthcare savings account optionEmployee assistance programParental leaveAll benefits begin on your first dayOur purpose guides the wayIn Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.Opportunities for everyoneWe are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.Explore other openingsIf this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career