Production Technician Lead in Training - Nights

Prairie AquaTech; Volga Township (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Quarterly bonuses

100% employee paid health insurance

Dental and vision insurance

15K basic life insurance

STD/LTD

401K match

Ten paid holidays

Gym membership

Yearly clothing allowance

Job summary

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek in Volga, SD, seeks a Production Technician Lead in Training for the night shift to oversee safe, efficient plant operations and ensure targets for throughput and quality are met. You will start up, shut down, batch, and monitor equipment, while guiding team members and maintaining logs.

The role emphasizes leadership, problem solving, and adherence to safety protocols, with opportunities for growth, training, and performance-based incentives within

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience in Production.
• Minimum 1 year demonstrated ability to lead a small team.
• High school diploma required; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Production experience and familiarity with processing equipment (pumps, motors, etc.).
• Ability to multitask while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to follow protocols with precision and accuracy.
• Conflict resolution skills to effectively address workplace issues.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and maintain a positive team environment.
• Experience fostering accountability and performance management.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Keen analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Quick and effective troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and P&IDs.
• Capable of working with hand and power tools.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, efficient, and compliant night shift operations.
• Ensure throughput, quality, and performance targets are met.
• Follow plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning, and batching procedures.
• Monitor gauges and indicators to ensure proper operation.
• Lead initial troubleshooting of process issues.
• Review operational data to keep the process in control.
• Assist with troubleshooting seed train issues.
• Manage water tests, treatments, and logs; adjust boiler/cooling tower chemicals as needed.
• Lead and develop shift team to meet goals.
• Maintain safety-first environment and compliance with protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

P&IDs

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Production Technician Lead in Training – Night Shift

At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference.

We're growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of something bold and impactful. Our team works with purpose and pride, guided by the core values that shape our culture:

• Safety - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all.
• Quality - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Respect - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrives.
• Transparency - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners.
• Innovation - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day.

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is a manufacturing company based in Volga South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high-quality feed ingredients. Using patent-pending technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading soybean meal to high-quality ingredients used in aquaculture and other animal feeds.

JOB DUTIES

As a key member of the Production team, this role will report to the Production Supervisor and will be responsible for the following:

Operational Leadership

• Responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation processing plant during night shift.
• Oversee all production activities on shift to ensure throughput, quality, and performance targets are met.
• Follow procedures for plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning, and batching.
• Observe gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure equipment is operating properly.
• Responsible for initial troubleshooting of process issues.
• Evaluate operational data daily to ensure the process remains in control.
• Able to assist with troubleshooting of seed train issues.
• Review water tests, treatments, and logs; make chemical adjustments for boiler and cooling tower as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Accountable for maintaining a safety-first environment for all team members on shift.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental protocols.
• Must be able to manage and supervise confined space entries.
• Ensure complete and accurate log entries of all pertinent operational issues.
• Ensure complete and accurate REC's and shift reports.
• Notify the Production Supervisor of any production problems or safety concerns.

Team Leadership & Development

• Responsible for the safety, performance, and development of all shift team members.
• Develop a team environment that supports achievement of production goals.
• Mentor and coach team members while identifying opportunities for growth and skill development.
• Hold team members accountable through clear expectations, monitoring performance, and timely feedback.
• Recognize and reward achievements to motivate and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation and problem-solving.
• Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Ensure completion of position checklists and required job duties across the crew.
• Ensure the crew stays up to date with all required LMS and field training.

Other Responsibilities

• Responsible for continued learning and progression through tier levels.
• Ability to attend required training or meetings outside of normal shift schedule.
• Any other tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Minimum 1 year experience in Production.
• Minimum 1 year demonstrated ability to lead a small team.
• High school diploma required; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Production experience and familiarity with processing equipment (pumps, motors, etc.).
• Ability to multitask while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to follow protocols with precision and accuracy.
• Conflict resolution skills to effectively address workplace issues.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and maintain a positive team environment.
• Experience fostering accountability and performance management.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Keen analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Quick and effective troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of equipment maintenance.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and P&IDs.
• Capable of working with hand and power tools.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Compensation: Pay based on experience and education. Additional employee benefits include generous PTO, quarterly bonuses, 100% employee paid health, dental, vision, 15K basic life insurance, STD, LTD, 401K match, ten paid holidays, gym membership, yearly clothing allowance and more!

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is an Equal Opportunity, Affindicative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee employment. As part of our hiring process, Houdek reserves the right to conduct background investigations, which may include verification of education, past employment, and professional references, as well as criminal history checks where permitted by law. Background checks will be conducted when deemed necessary and appropriate for the role being considered, and any such inquiries will be handled in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment consideration. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the conviction. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and understand that falsification of information may result in removal from the hiring process or termination if already employed.