Utilities & Environmental Operator 1st Shift

Novozymes (part of Novonesis); Blair (NE); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contribution

Vacation & holidays

Wellness time

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

HSA option

Job summary

Novonesis in Blair, Nebraska seeks a Utilities Operator to maintain utility and environmental systems, monitor equipment, perform laboratory analyses and support maintenance. This is an hands-on role focused on safety, operational excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

As part of the team you will monitor and control plant systems, collect samples, document results, and help drive improvements. The role requires a high school diploma, strong math skills, IT basics, and the ability to

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong math and arithmetic skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic information technology proficiency.
• Ability to obtain certifications for operating forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and similar equipment.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to maintain licensing requirements.
• Ability to safely follow SOPs, GMP requirements, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Observe equipment and process performance, investigate abnormalities, and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Prepare and ensure materials are available for utility equipment and related activities.
• Operate and monitor utility and environmental systems in accordance with SOPs and testing plans.
• Operate plant process control systems to manage equipment and processes safely and efficiently.
• Collect utility and waste stream samples, perform laboratory analyses, and take appropriate action based on results.
• Complete required documentation in both electronic and hard-copy formats.
• Support maintenance activities by preparing maintenance notifications, applying LOTO procedures when required, and assisting maintenance personnel.
• Perform facility cleaning activities and GMP tasks according to the area's master cleaning schedule.
• Participate in daily meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Math & arithmetic

Written & verbal comms

IT proficiency

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Job posting

Join Novonesis in Blair, Nebraska, where you will help ensure the reliable operation of critical utility and environmental systems that support our manufacturing processes. In this hands‑on role, you will be part of a team focused on safety, operational excellence, quality, and continuous improvement. If you enjoy troubleshooting equipment, working with technology, and contributing to the success of a production environment, this could be the opportunity for you.

The role & your impact

As a Utilities Operator, you will play a key role in maintaining the performance and reliability of utility and environmental systems across the facility. This is an operational role that combines equipment monitoring, process control, laboratory testing, troubleshooting, and support for maintenance activities. Your work will directly contribute to safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Observe equipment and process performance, investigate abnormalities, and troubleshoot operational issues.

• Prepare and ensure materials are available for utility equipment and related activities.

• Operate and monitor utility and environmental systems in accordance with SOPs and testing plans.

• Operate plant process control systems to manage equipment and processes safely and efficiently.

• Collect utility and waste stream samples, perform laboratory analyses, and take appropriate action based on results.

• Complete required documentation in both electronic and hard-copy formats.

• Support maintenance activities by preparing maintenance notifications, applying LOTO procedures when required, and assisting maintenance personnel.

• Perform facility cleaning activities and GMP tasks according to the area's master cleaning schedule.

• Participate in daily meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

What you'll need to be successful in this role

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Strong math and arithmetic skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Basic information technology proficiency.

• Ability to obtain certifications for operating forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and similar equipment.

• Valid driver's license with the ability to maintain licensing requirements.

• Ability to safely follow SOPs, GMP requirements, and safety procedures.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment.

Additional skills & interests we value

• Previous experience in manufacturing, utilities, operations, or an industrial environment.

• Experience operating computerized process control systems.

• Familiarity with laboratory sample testing and data recording.

• Knowledge of maintenance support processes, including LOTO procedures.

• Interest in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Working conditions

Schedule: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on a 2-2-3 rotation.

• Week 1: Work Monday and Tuesday, off Wednesday and Thursday, work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• Week 2: Off Monday and Tuesday, work Wednesday and Thursday, off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The role requires the physical ability to:

• Push, kneel, squat, stoop, and lift up to 60 lbs. unassisted.

• Work in changing temperatures and industrial environments.

• Wear required PPE and a respirator.

• Work at heights and operate within confined spaces when necessary.

Compensation & benefits

Starting Pay: $25.05 per hour

Additional Compensation:

• 1.5x pay on Sundays

Benefits include:

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

• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation

• 12 holidays annually

• 2 weeks of Wellness Time

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• Healthcare Savings Account option with generous employer contribution

• Employee Assistance Program

• Parental Leave

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Benefits begin on your first day of employment

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