Plant Technician

POET•Groton, SD

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Technician operates plant processing equipment and performs routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. The role involves the safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of equipment used in bioprocessing. Technicians may also assist Maintenance Technicians with more technical or complex procedures. They must understand plant process flow, computerized equipment, potential hazards, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). This is an on-site role in Groton, South Dakota. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shifts, and technicians must be able to adapt to 12-hour workdays and meet call-in requirements as needed. The position includes operating plant systems, documenting maintenance and operating activities, collecting and testing quality-control samples, and contributing to safe, environmentally compliant, and high-quality plant operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Plant Technician I: Production-environment experience preferred.
Plant Technician II: Documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience.
Plant Technician III: Documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Plant Technician III Skills Checklist.
Working knowledge of mathematics, 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 the ability to learn new programs.
Ability to work 12-hour shifts and meet call-in requirements as needed.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and meet the physical and safety requirements of the role.
Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen; random drug and alcohol testing is required during employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with software systems such as Maximo.
Production-environment experience for Plant Technician I.

Responsibilities

Maintain and operate plant processes as required.
Perform maintenance and basic repairs on plant equipment and document the work.
Operate the plant’s Distributed Control System (DCS).
Perform basic electrical troubleshooting safely.
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.
Document quality-control results accurately and on time, and enter them into the PI data collection system.
Assist with equipment removal, installation, rebuilding, and preventive and predictive maintenance.
Keep the plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing assigned tasks.
Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.
Promote safe behavior and environmental compliance.
Contribute to a team environment and represent POET in the community.
Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET products and processes.

Benefits

Competitive bonus opportunities, including up to six bonuses per year through quarterly profit sharing and Value Share.
Paid time off, including 40 hours available on Day 1 and biweekly PTO accrual.
Paid holidays.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, including individual and family plans and an 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/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.