Plant Technician I

POET • Obion, TN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Technician I operates plant processing equipment and performs routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. The role includes safe, efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of equipment used in bioprocessing. Technicians may assist Maintenance Technicians with more technical or complex procedures. They must understand plant process flow and computerized equipment, recognize process hazards, and follow standard operating procedures. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work, the ability to adapt to 12-hour workdays, and meeting call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site role; the location is not specified.

Responsibilities include operating plant processes and the Distributed Control System (DCS), performing basic electrical troubleshooting and equipment repairs, following plant start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and batching procedures, and documenting work and operational results. The technician collects and tests quality-control samples, interprets QA/QC results, adjusts operations as appropriate, and enters results into the PI data collection system. The role also supports preventive and predictive maintenance, sanitation and housekeeping, safety and environmental compliance, food safety and product quality, and communication of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns. Team members may be asked to assist with other work as needed.

The role involves working indoors and outdoors, including at heights and in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures and sometimes dusty areas. Team members use PPE and, with training, tools and equipment such as forklifts, lifts, hoist systems, hand tools, and computers. The work includes control-room operation, walking on uneven or slippery surfaces, climbing, cleaning, sampling, and lifting or moving objects. A pre-employment physical and drug screen are required; random drug and alcohol testing applies during employment.

POET describes a team-oriented culture that emphasizes communication, work-life balance, safety, wellness, community involvement, and internal growth and development.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills, and the ability to embrace change.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• Ability to adapt to 12-hour workdays and meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Ability to perform the described physical tasks and work in the stated environments; a pre-employment physical and drug screen are required.
• High personal integrity; effective interpersonal skills; ability to promote change, think objectively, demonstrate self-awareness amid uncertainty, and work in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a production environment is preferred for Plant Technician I.
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant processing equipment and processes, including the Distributed Control System (DCS).
• Perform routine maintenance, basic repairs, cleaning, and basic electrical troubleshooting on plant equipment.
• Follow procedures for plant start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs and document maintenance activities.
• Collect and test quality-control samples, interpret QA/QC results, make adjustments to optimize operations, and enter results into the PI data collection system.
• Assist with equipment removal, installation, rebuilding, and preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Complete assigned sanitation tasks and help maintain a clean plant.
• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.
• Promote safe behavior, environmental compliance, food safety, and product quality.
• Maintain a team environment and represent POET in the community.
• Meet 12-hour shift-work and call-in requirements as needed.
• Assist with other roles and tasks as needed.

Benefits

• Eligible team members may receive competitive bonus opportunities, including quarterly profit sharing and Value Share, with up to six bonuses per year.
• Paid time off, including 40 hours available on Day 1 plus a biweekly PTO accrual program.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including a Health Savings Account employer 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.
• Wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
• Family-first culture.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• Frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and celebrations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED