Plant Technician

POET • Ashton, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Technician operates plant processing equipment and performs routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility. The role includes safe and efficient basic maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of equipment used in bioprocessing, and may involve 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, adapting to 12-hour workdays, and meeting call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site role in Ashton, Iowa.

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.
• 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.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role and pass a pre-screen physical and drug screen; subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Nice To Haves

• Production-environment experience (Plant Technician I).
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate plant processes and processing equipment.
• Perform and document maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment.
• Operate the plant’s Distributed Control System (DCS).
• Safely perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• 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, make adjustments to optimize operations, document results, and enter results into the PI data collection system.
• Assist with the removal, installation, and rebuilding of equipment and perform 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 the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes.

Benefits

• Competitive bonus opportunities, including 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 plans for individuals and families, including 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 locations.
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Wellness program supporting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
• Family-first culture.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

What This Job Offers

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