Operator

Homeland Energy Solutions•Lawler, IA

28d

About The Position

The Plant Operator is responsible for operating either the Slurry process or the Distillation & Evaporation process to support production quality and quantity objectives. The role involves following operating procedures, collecting and testing process samples, measuring ingredients and inventory, monitoring and troubleshooting plant processes, and coordinating with laboratory and maintenance teams. Operators also maintain accurate logs, handle chemicals safely, support truck loading and unloading, and help keep the facility clean and safe while following company procedures and applicable regulations. The position may involve cross-training, monitoring control boards when a supervisor steps away, confined-space entry during shutdowns, and working outdoors or at heights.

Requirements

Excellent communication, time-management, multitasking, attention-to-detail, computer, and problem-solving skills.
No prior experience required; prior production experience is helpful.
Ability to work a 12-hour swing rotation shift and willingness to work overtime.
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
Ability to manage confined-space entry.
Ability to shovel corn or other bulk materials and perform other strenuous physical labor.
Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors with exposure to large moving equipment, chemicals, loud noises, vibrations, dusty conditions, and extreme temperatures.
Ability to access all areas of company premises, including stairs.
Ability to climb and maintain balance on ladders and elevated walkways and work at heights of at least 30 feet, potentially up to 150 feet.
Ability to operate JLGs, forklifts, scissor lifts, skid loaders, and end loaders.
Ability to perform the listed physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Prior production experience.

Responsibilities

Read, understand, and follow standard operating procedures for plant operations and associated equipment.
Collect timely samples from front-end or back-end processes, including proof and moisture samples.
Accurately measure ingredients for additions to fermentation tanks.
Operate laboratory equipment and take technical readings from collected samples.
Troubleshoot, anticipate, and correct plant-operation problems, including inspecting plant areas to identify issues.
For Slurry Operators, review the slurry and fermentation processes for accuracy and product quality.
For Distillation & Evaporation Operators, review those processes for accuracy and product quality, and certify ethanol before transport.
Follow Operations Objectives to support facility performance objectives and overall goals.
Communicate with the laboratory to address or anticipate problems, maintain product quality, and optimize facility efficiency.
Maintain a clean and safe facility and follow applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Communicate with maintenance to anticipate or resolve problems in a timely manner.
Handle chemicals according to their MSDS safety sheets.
Maintain accurate and timely operational logs.
Monitor, load, and/or unload trucks, including trucks carrying chemicals.
Cross-train with other operators to provide coverage during unexpected plant interruptions and monitor boards when a supervisor steps away.
Work with the training coordinator to understand processes and technical terminology.
Follow LOTO procedures and, when required during shutdown, enter confined spaces.
Take accurate measurements and readings for inventory control.
Perform general housekeeping and follow all safety precautions.
Operate and manage general office equipment and assigned plant equipment, including JLGs, forklifts, scissor lifts, skid loaders, and end loaders.