Plant Technician

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. Plant Technicians are responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of all equipment associated with bioprocessing processes. Team members must 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. This is an on-site role located in Hudson, SD.

• 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
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance
• Follow the sanitation schedule and complete all assigned tasks
• Notify the management team of safety, environmental, quality and production concerns
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET's products and processes

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 required
• Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This role requires wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors. Areas can be dusty at times. Must be able to use equipment/tools including forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers. The role involves frequent sitting, walking, carrying up to 15lbs, climbing stairs/ladders, standing, reaching, awkward positions, coordination and grip with force up to 50lbs, bending, repetitive arm motions, and climbing in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles. Occasionally lift up to 50lbs, carry up to 40lbs, push with 10lbs force, pull with up to 85lbs force, and bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch while holding light and medium weighted objects. Subject to a physical and drug screen during pre-screen and random drug and alcohol testing during employment.