Plant Technician I

POET • Obion, TN

6d • 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 repairs, and cleaning of equipment used in bioprocessing. Technicians maintain knowledge of process flow and computerized equipment, recognize process hazards, and follow standard operating procedures. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shifts, adaptability to 12-hour workdays, and availability for call-ins as needed. This is an on-site position; the location is not specified.

The role also involves supporting safe plant operations, product quality, food safety, environmental compliance, and teamwork. Technicians may assist Maintenance Technicians with more technical maintenance procedures and may be asked to help with other work as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Organizational, time-management, and communication skills, and the ability to embrace change.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
• High personal integrity, effective interpersonal skills, an innovative mindset, objective thinking, self-awareness in uncertain situations, and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Ability to meet the role’s physical and safety requirements, including wearing PPE and working at heights, in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen; subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

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 as required.
• Perform and document maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment.
• Operate the plant’s Distributed Control System (DCS).
• Perform basic electrical troubleshooting safely.
• Follow procedures for plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning, and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs.
• Collect and test quality-control samples, interpret QA/QC results, adjust operations to optimize performance, and document and enter results in the PI data collection system.
• Assist with equipment removal, installation, rebuilding, and preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Clean the plant according to the sanitation schedule and complete assigned tasks.
• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.
• Promote safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain and advance food safety and the quality of POET products and processes.
• Maintain a team environment and represent POET in the community.

Benefits

• 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 and additional biweekly accrual.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans for individuals and families.
• 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 locations.
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• Frequent team events and volunteer efforts.

What This Job Offers

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