Plant Operator

About POET

At POET, our mission is to be responsible stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources into energy and valuable products with maximum efficiency. With over three decades of experience, we have become the world's largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in bio-based products. Our team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits, including:

• $19-$23 per hour + 10% Night Shift Differential
• Competitive bonus opportunities - up to six bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Schedule: Days 7:00am-7:00pm & Nights 7:00pm-7:00am (Rotation every 6 weeks)
• Attractive relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses, and bi-annual incentive bonuses
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, and vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Paid parental leave
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

Job Summary

The Plant Technician is responsible for operating all plant processing equipment and performing routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. In the area of maintenance, Plant Technicians are responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of all equipment associated with bioprocessing processes. At times, Plant Technicians may be asked to assist Maintenance Technicians in more technical and complex maintenance procedures. Team members in this position are required to maintain knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and be aware of hazards associated with the process as well as understand and execute standard operating procedures (SOPs). Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work. Plant Technicians must be able to adapt to 12-hour workdays and be able to meet call-in requirements as needed.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Since we are all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses.

Requirements

• 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.