Plant Technician I Jobs

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in bio-based products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and benefits including;

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• Excellent work-life balance with a 'family-first' culture
• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401K with company match
• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses, and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
• SCHEDULE: Days 7am-7pm & Nights 7pm-7am (Rotation every 6 weeks) 
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually

JOB SUMMARY

The Plant Technician is responsible for the operation of 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.

SCHEDULE: Days 7am-7pm & Nights 7pm-7am (Rotation every 6 weeks) 

DURING A TYPICAL DAY (IF THERE IS ONE)…

• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document these activities.
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• 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.
• Keep your plant safe by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Notify the management team of safety, environmental, quality and production concerns, problems and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs.
• Help to keep your plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all tasks as assigned.
• Operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.
• Follow procedures for plant start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and batching.
• Safely perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!
• Use your knowledge to maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant where required.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
• Plant Technician I: experience in a production environment preferred.
• Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills are required.
• Plant Technician II: Documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience 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.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension and mechanical reasoning required.
• Plant Technician III: Documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Plant Technician III Skills Checklist.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
• Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
• Due to the physical and safety sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
• Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Specific physical requirements may include:
  • Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
  • Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
  • Opening valves.
  • Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
  • Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
  • Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
  • Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
  • Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
  • Standing for extended periods of time.
  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Using hand and power tools.
• Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
• Opening valves.
• Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
• Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
• Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment. You may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.
• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET.
• Using hand and power tools.