Production Operator - Fermentation

Novonesis; Blair (NE); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Vacation time

Wellness time

HSA option

Employee assistance

Parental leave

Benefits day 1

Job summary

Novonesis in Blair, Nebraska, is seeking a Production Operator for its Fermentation Department. You will set up, monitor, and maintain equipment and processes in our industrial biotechnology facility that produces BioSolutions and proteins used in food ingredients and other industries.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, and compliance as you troubleshoot equipment, perform minor repairs, and test materials. Shifts are 12 hours, with day/night rotation every two weeks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to move around the factory and outdoor surroundings.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to manipulate and operate equipment and tools (e.g., turning valves, aligning hoses).
• PPE required: uniform, hard hat, eye/ear protection, hair/beard nets, respirator.
• Ability to climb stairs and work at heights.
• Ability to enter and work in confined spaces.
• Must pass a written test for certification purposes.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshooting equipment.
• Making minor repairs and replacing parts.
• Testing materials for quality and compliance.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Equipment operation

Quality testing

PPE usage

Lifting up to 60 lbs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Valves operation

Hose alignment

Job description

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 Impact

In this role, you'll ensure safety, quality, and compliance of our production processes. Daily responsibilities include:

Troubleshooting equipment

Making minor repairs and replacing parts

Testing materials for quality and compliance

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

High school diploma or equivalent

3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience preferred

Ability to move freely around the factory and outdoor surroundings, including pushing, pulling, kneeling, and squatting

Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted

Ability 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 respirator

Ability to climb stairs and work at heights (ladders, platforms, tanks)

Ability to enter and work in confined spaces

Ability to pass a written test for certification purposes

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

Schedule:

12-hour shifts alternating between days & nights every 2 weeks (6:30–7:00 am/pm)

Additional Information

Overtime is frequently available

Mandatory Certification program with promotion opportunities to Operator II and Senior Operator

Hourly Pay:

$25.05 base rate

Benefits you will enjoy:

401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

Minimum of 3 weeksofvacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time

Healthcare savings accountoption

Employeeassistanceprogram

Parental leave

All benefits begin on your first day

Our purpose guides the way

In 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 everyone

We 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 openings

If 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

Novonesis leverages the power of biological solutions, transforming industries through enzymes, proteins, and microorganisms for sustainable nutrition, energy, and environmental impact.

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