Plant Technician
POET
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). This is an on-site role located in Gowrie, IA.
Job description
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. 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). This is an on-site role located in Gowrie, IA.
- 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.
Qualifications & Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 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.
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
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension and mechanical reasoning required
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required
- Experience in a production environment preferred
- Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred
- Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
- Ability to embrace change
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Capable of learning new programs
Benefits
- Bonus opportunities
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Health, dental & vision insurance
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Relocation assistance
- Safety gear reimbursement
- Cold weather gear reimbursement
- Discounted home and auto insurance
- Wellness program
- Onsite fitness centers
Company overview
POET is the world's largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The company operates 35 bioprocessing facilities across the Midwest, three corporate offices, four terminal locations, and employs nearly 2,600 team members. POET specializes in creating plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels, leveraging biotechnology to convert renewable agricultural resources into bioethanol, distillers grains, corn fermented protein, distillers corn oil, bioCO2, dry ice, purified alcohol, and asphalt rejuvenator. With more than 140 U.S. patents, POET has established itself as an innovator in the biotechnology sector, focusing on reducing dependence on foreign oil, revitalizing global agriculture, and creating sustainable energy solutions. The company's integrated business model combines research and development with expertise in design, construction, technology, operations, public affairs, and marketing, positioning it as a comprehensive leader in the renewable energy and bioproducts industry.