Plant Technician

POET • Hudson, 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 safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of equipment associated with bioprocessing processes. Plant Technicians may assist Maintenance Technicians with more technical and complex maintenance procedures. They must understand process flow, computerized equipment, process hazards, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 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. This is an on-site position in Hudson, South Dakota.

The role also involves maintaining and advancing the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes, supporting a safe and environmentally compliant workplace, and contributing to a collaborative team environment. The position is physically and safety-sensitive, and includes work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varied temperatures and conditions. A pre-employment physical and drug screen are required; random drug and alcohol testing may occur during employment.

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 ability to embrace change.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• High personal integrity and ability to interact effectively with people at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to promote change, think innovatively and objectively, exercise self-awareness amid uncertainty, and work in a team environment.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including wearing PPE, working at heights and in confined spaces, and performing the listed movement, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling tasks.
• Must undergo a pre-employment physical and pass a drug screen; subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Nice To Haves

• Production-environment experience for Plant Technician I.
• Documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience for Plant Technician II.
• Documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Plant Technician III Skills Checklist for Plant Technician III.
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate plant processes and equipment 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, document results, 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.
• Maintain a team environment and represent POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance food safety and product and process quality.

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 plus 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.
• Frequent team events and volunteer efforts.

What This Job Offers

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