Plant Technician

POET • Gowrie, IA

7d • 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 associated with bioprocessing, and may involve assisting Maintenance Technicians with more technical or complex procedures. Technicians maintain knowledge of process flow and computerized equipment, understand process hazards, and follow standard operating procedures. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shifts, alternating between days (7 a.m.–7 p.m.) and nights (7 p.m.–7 a.m.) every six weeks. Team members must adapt to 12-hour workdays and meet call-in requirements as needed. This is an on-site position in Gowrie, Iowa.

Plant Technicians operate plant processes and the Distributed Control System, perform basic electrical troubleshooting and equipment repairs, and follow procedures for start-up, shut-down, cleaning, and batching. They maintain logs, collect and test quality-control samples, interpret QA/QC results, adjust operations, and document results in the PI data collection system. The role also supports preventive and predictive maintenance, sanitation, safety, environmental compliance, and product quality. Technicians work collaboratively and may be asked to assist with other duties.

The work environment includes indoor and outdoor areas, occasional dust, extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, confined spaces, and work at heights of approximately 150 feet. The position requires PPE and use of a range of powered industrial vehicles, lifting equipment, hand tools, and computers. A pre-employment physical and drug screen are required; random drug and alcohol testing applies 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.
• Ability to embrace change and learn new programs.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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 adapt to 12-hour workdays and rotating day and night shifts.
• Ability to meet the physical and safety-sensitive requirements of the role, including wearing PPE and working at heights, in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen; subject to random drug and alcohol testing during employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate plant processes and processing equipment as required.
• 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, shut-down, cleaning, and batching.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs.
• Collect and test quality-control samples, interpret QA/QC results, adjust operations to optimize performance, and document and enter results into the PI data collection system.
• Assist with equipment removal, installation, rebuilding, and preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Maintain plant cleanliness 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.
• Support teamwork and represent POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance food safety and the quality of POET products and processes.
• Meet call-in requirements as needed.

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 biweekly PTO accrual.
• Paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, with individual and family plans.
• 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.
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.
• Team events and volunteer efforts.
• Work-life balance support.
• Internal development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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