Plant Technician

POET•Mitchell, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Technician operates all plant processing equipment and performs routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. The role includes safely maintaining, repairing, and cleaning equipment used in bioprocessing, and may involve assisting Maintenance Technicians with more complex procedures. Technicians must understand process flow, computerized equipment, process hazards, and standard operating procedures. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shifts and the ability to meet call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site position in Mitchell, South Dakota. The position also involves operating the plant’s Distributed Control System (DCS), following start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and batching procedures, collecting and testing quality-control samples, interpreting QA/QC results, and recording information in the PI data collection system. Technicians help maintain food safety, product quality, sanitation, and environmental compliance while working as part of a team.

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 math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills, and ability to embrace change.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and 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 work at heights, in confined spaces, in extreme temperatures, and in dusty areas.
Ability to perform the physical tasks described, including walking, carrying, climbing, standing, reaching, and lifting.
Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen; random drug and alcohol testing applies during employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Maintain and operate plant processes and equipment as needed.
Perform and document equipment maintenance and basic repairs.
Operate the plant’s Distributed Control System (DCS).
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, adjust operations, and document and enter results into PI.
Assist with equipment removal, installation, rebuilding, preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance.
Keep the plant clean by following sanitation schedules and completing 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 product and process quality.
Contribute to 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 a biweekly accrual program.
Paid holidays.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, with individual and family plans and an employer Health Savings Account contribution.
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 addressing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Family-first culture.
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
Frequent team events and volunteer efforts.