Plant Technician

POET • Hudson, SD

6d • 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 involves maintaining, repairing, and cleaning equipment associated with bioprocessing, and may include assisting Maintenance Technicians with more technical procedures. Technicians must understand process flow, computerized equipment, process hazards, and standard operating procedures. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shifts, the ability to adapt to 12-hour workdays, and availability for call-ins as needed. This is an on-site role in Hudson, South Dakota.

Plant Technicians help operate and maintain plant processes, monitor quality, and support safe, environmentally compliant, and efficient production. They maintain accurate documentation, contribute to food safety and product quality, and work collaboratively across the plant.

POET describes a team-oriented culture focused on communication, work-life balance, wellness, community involvement, and internal growth and development. The position is subject to a pre-employment physical and drug screen, as well as random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

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.
• Ability to embrace change and work in a team environment.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• High personal integrity, interpersonal skills, an innovative mindset, ability to think objectively, and self-awareness in uncertain situations.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Ability to meet the role’s physical requirements and 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 for Plant Technician I.
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate plant processes and equipment.
• 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, shut-down, cleaning, and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs.
• Collect and test quality control samples, interpret QA/QC results, adjust operations as needed, document results, and enter them into the PI data collection system.
• Assist with equipment removal, installation, rebuilds, and preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Follow the sanitation schedule and complete assigned cleaning tasks.
• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.
• Promote safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes.
• Maintain a team environment and represent POET in the community.
• Assist with other duties or roles as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive bonus opportunities, including quarterly profit sharing and Value Share bonuses.
• Paid time off, including 40 hours available on Day 1 and ongoing biweekly PTO accrual.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with individual and family plans.
• Employer Health Savings Account contribution.
• Competitive pay and 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.
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• Family-first culture.
• Frequent team events and volunteer efforts.

What This Job Offers

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