Plant Technician in Ashton

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 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 a leader in sustainable products in the world.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive bonus opportunities - up to six bonuses per year (quarterly profit sharing & value share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on day 1, plus a biweekly PTO accrual program
• Comprehensive benefits package; individual and family plans for health, dental, and vision insurance, including a generous employer health savings account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Family-first culture
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Job Summary & Responsibilities

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. Plant Technicians may be asked to assist Maintenance Technicians in more technical and complex maintenance procedures. Team members in this position maintain knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and are aware of hazards associated with the process as well as understanding and executing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work. Plant Technicians must be able to adapt to 12-hour workdays and meet call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site role located in Ashton, IA.

Responsibilities include:

• Use knowledge to maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant as 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, contextualizing results and entering them into the data collection system (PI).
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Help keep the 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.
• Maintain a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.

Qualifications & Skills

• 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, and ability to embrace change.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; capability of learning new programs.

A Successful Candidate Will Have

• 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

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• 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; 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 up to 15 lbs.
• 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 50 lbs.
• Bend while standing.
• Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area.
• Climb in and out of powered industrial vehicles.

Occasionally

• Lift up to 50 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Carry up to 40 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Push with a force of 10 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Pull with a force of up to 85 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch while holding light and medium weighted objects.

Due to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be required to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

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.