Plant Technician

POET • Scotland, SD

19h • 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 used in bioprocessing. Plant Technicians may also assist Maintenance Technicians with more technical maintenance procedures. Team members 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 meeting call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site position in Scotland, South Dakota.

The role involves operating and maintaining plant processes and equipment, using the Distributed Control System, performing basic electrical troubleshooting, following procedures for plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning, and batching, and collecting and testing quality-control samples. Technicians document operating and maintenance activities, enter results into the PI data collection system, help maintain sanitation, and contribute to safe, environmentally compliant, and high-quality plant operations.

The position requires working in a safety-sensitive industrial environment that may include extreme heights, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, dusty areas, and indoor and outdoor work. Team members use personal protective equipment and a range of industrial equipment and tools. A physical and pre-employment drug screen are required, and random drug and alcohol testing may occur 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.
• Organizational, time-management, and communication skills, and the ability to embrace change.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• High personal integrity, effective interpersonal skills, ability to promote change, an innovative mindset, objective thinking, self-awareness amid uncertainty, and ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to 12-hour workdays and meet call-in requirements as needed.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and work at heights, in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures, indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to perform the physical tasks described, including lifting and carrying loads, climbing, standing, walking on uneven or slick surfaces, and using industrial equipment and tools.
• Must complete a physical and pass a pre-employment 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

• Operate processes and plant equipment as required.
• Perform basic maintenance and 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, shutdown, cleaning, and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs.
• Collect and test quality-control samples, interpret QA/QC results, make adjustments to optimize operations, and document and enter results into PI.
• Assist with removal, installation, rebuilding, preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance of equipment associated with plant processes.
• 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 food safety and product and process quality.
• Work collaboratively with the team and represent POET in the community.

Benefits

• Competitive bonus opportunities, including quarterly profit sharing and Value Share; up to six bonuses per year.
• Paid time off, including 40 hours available on Day 1 and an additional biweekly accrual program.
• 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/or locations.
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual health.
• Onsite 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