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-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
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. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
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.
This is an on-site role located in Mitchell, SD. Responsibilities include:
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.
Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!
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.
High level of personal integrity
Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
Ability to embrace and promote change
Innovative mindset
Ability to think objectively
Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
Ability to work in a team environment
This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.
Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.
Frequently:
Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant
Walk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces
Carry to up to 15lbs
Climb stairs and/or ladders
Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas
Reach at arm’s length to gather samples
Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions
Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs
Bend while standing
Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area
Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles
Occasionally:
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Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance
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Carry up to 40 lbs, with our without assistance
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Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance
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Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistance
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Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium weighted objects
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Since we are all about teamwork, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique set of physical requirements.
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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.
At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. 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.
Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
401K with company match
Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition reimbursement
Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
Discounted home and auto insurance
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.
