Heartwell Renewables - Shift Foreman - Hastings, NE

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores•Hastings, NE

10d

About The Position

Heartwell Renewables is recruiting a Shift Foreman to oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of its renewable diesel production facility during an assigned shift. The Shift Foreman serves as the lead operations representative onsite, coordinating daily activities, monitoring process conditions, and ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and operational procedures. The position supports continuous plant operation at a facility that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and requires leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The role leads operators on 12-hour rotating shifts, supports routine and emergency operations, coordinates shift handovers and staffing coverage, and contributes to plant safety, compliance, production, and continuous improvement. Travel may be required up to 5% of the time. Successful applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, background check, physical fitness assessment, respiratory fit test, and pulmonary function test as needed.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license.
High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of related work experience.
At least 2 years of lead operator experience.
Rotational shift work experience.
Strong process mindset and ability to read P&IDs, PFDs, and SOPs.
Comfort using basic computer programs, including Excel and Word.
Strong work ethic, communication skills, dedication, punctuality, and willingness to work hard.
Willingness to perform incipient fire response and other emergency response activities as trained.
Willingness to work a rotating shift schedule and overtime as required by business needs.
Fitness to perform the essential job functions in an industrial environment that may include loud areas near rotating, operating, or heavy equipment; extreme temperatures; dust; work at heights; confined-space entry; and chemical or atmospheric hazards requiring appropriate PPE.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, lift at least 40 pounds, climb ladders and stairs, and work from elevated platforms.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, including job-specific technical language, sufficiently to perform the position’s duties.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and control room systems such as DCS/SCADA; DeltaV is preferred.
Other minimum qualifications may apply.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
At least 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Experience in renewable diesel, biodiesel, or similar process industries.
Familiarity with PSM, ISO standards, and environmental compliance systems.
Experience with Lean or continuous improvement activities.
Experience in renewable or biodiesel, vegetable oil refining, oil and gas, or a PSM-regulated facility.

Responsibilities

Communicate shift guidance from supervision concerning operations, plant equipment maintenance, process optimization, and quality management goals.
Demonstrate leadership and support operator team development.
Supervise and lead a team of operators during 12-hour shifts on a 24/7 operating schedule.
Ensure standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and environmental regulations are followed.
Provide direction and support during routine and emergency situations.
Coordinate nights, weekends, and holiday operations to support safe, efficient, continuous plant performance.
Conduct safety checks and audits and participate in safety meetings.
Ensure compliance with environmental permits and reporting requirements.
Lead shift handovers and communicate plant status and ongoing tasks to incoming crews and management.
Resolve conflicts and deescalate shift issues; communicate necessary information to the supervisor or HR.
Coordinate operator call-outs to fill short-notice schedule vacancies.
Report shift status, operational changes, and issues to management and the oncoming shift.
Identify skills gaps and coordinate developmental opportunities with management.
Mentor and train junior operators and new hires.
Participate in PSSRs and other operational processes that support safe operation.
Report equipment failures, participate in incident investigations, and assist with root cause analysis.
Maintain accurate records of shift activities, production data, incidents, and maintenance needs.
Participate in emergency response drills and ensure crew readiness for unplanned events.
Support continuous improvement in process efficiency, safety performance, and crew development.
Monitor process conditions, troubleshoot issues, and assist in optimizing plant operations.
Proactively identify and review hazards, risks, and opportunities and ensure appropriate follow-up actions are implemented.
Enforce company policies, including the strict alcohol and drug policy.
Travel up to 5% of the time.
Perform other duties as assigned.