The OT Trainer is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering training related to plant-floor Operational Technology (OT) systems. This role ensures that OT Technicians, Maintenance personnel, and key operations staff are properly trained on OT systems, safety requirements, compliance standards, and troubleshooting best practices.
This position bridges Information Technology, Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations, combining deep technical OT knowledge with structured training methodologies. The OT Trainer is accountable for maintaining training compliance, improving technical competency across departments, and continuously enhancing OT training content to support safety, reliability, and production uptime.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other duties may be assigned.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve OT training curriculum covering plant-floor systems including scales, inspection systems, labeling systems, control systems, industrial PCs, and network infrastructure.
- Design and deliver onboarding, refresher, and advanced training modules for OT Technicians
- Coordinate and execute authorized OT and safety-related training activities in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and refresher schedules.
- Create hands-on, job-based training programs to reinforce safe operation, diagnostics, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT systems.
- Write and maintain SOPs, OPLs, training manuals, and technical documentation for OT systems.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on plant-floor operational technology systems including:
- Scales, labeling, metal detection, and X-ray inspection systems
- PLC platforms, HMIs, and associated software
- Industrial computers, servers, and OT network infrastructure
- Assist with troubleshooting, diagnostics, and system improvements alongside OT Technicians, Maintenance, Engineering, and PLC programmers as part of training reinforcement.
- Support documentation, backup, and restoration of control system configurations as part of standardized training practices.
- Plan and organize OT training schedules to ensure timely completion of all required modules.
- Maintain accurate training records, certifications, and employee training hours.
- Ensure training practices align with:
- OSHA requirements
- Food safety regulations
- GMP and SSOP standards
- Support audits and inspections related to systems training, compliance, and documentation.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Develop collaborative working relationships with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, IT, QA, and USDA personnel.
- Identify skill gaps and recommend training enhancements or system improvements.
- Promote a safety-first culture through regular training engagement and technical coaching.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university preferred; or (2) two or more years related experience in pork or beef manufacturing maintenance or the combination of education and experience that enables performance in all aspects of the position, including supervisory experience.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Ability to effectively manage time and meet all specified deadlines.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to effectively communicate with USDA, production and management personnel.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to use computers and all standard programs used by the industry and the ability to learn and effectively use any and all other computer programs that are or will be made available. Must be proficient in MP2. Must have experience with electrical systems, including PLC controls; hydraulic and pneumatic systems; welding/fabrication skills.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak; hear taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Individual must be able to effectively work in a normal production environment where temperatures and noise levels may vary.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: The hours and days of work are established as needed by operations and at the discretion of management and, while generally as shown below, may be changed (increased or decreased) by management as required.
MISSION, VISION, & VALUES: Must believe and lead STF's MISSION of producing quality pork products, igniting the passion and growth of our team members, helping our community thrive, and making our business prosperous. Remembering that together we will achieve more by working safely and cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment. Must believe and fully engage in STF's VISION of being a place where we all belong, working as one, to build our future. Must live STF's VALUES in all decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which include-
SAFETY- Be committed to the safety and welfare of all employees through prevention, education, and awareness, with the ultimate goal of eliminating workplace accidents.
QUALITY- Our customers and families depend on us to provide a safe, quality product, by maintaining the highest food safety standards and desired customer specifications. Must take pride in the products we produce and serve.
DIVERSITY- We embrace diversity of identity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company and our work. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourage a sense of belonging.
COMMUNITY- Be a positive representative of STF in our community while supporting the organizations who work for the betterment of Siouxland.
SUSTAINABILITY- Be a steward of the earth by managing our environmental footprint.
