Maintenance Technician I

About the role

Poet is dedicated to being good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources into energy and other valuable goods. Founded over thirty years ago, Poet has grown into the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products globally.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive bonus opportunities - up to six bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!
• Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Affordable Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient repair, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes. Key responsibilities include:

• Cooking with fellow team members and other departments within POET
• Maintaining boiler and cooling tower systems including water testing and adjusting
• Maintaining all plant equipment including, but not limited to: centrifuges (decanters and corn oil), pumps, motors, gearboxes, minor electrical systems, PLC’s, heat exchangers, compressors, grain handling equipment, and fans or blowers
• Troubleshooting equipment issues
• Performing Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) functions on the equipment
• Operating, maintaining, and cleaning the water filtration equipment
• Understanding and as needed operating the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant
• Using Maximo to coordinate and order materials to complete projects and thoroughly documenting all maintenance tasks and spare part inventory
• Working with the management team to solve problems and fix unsafe conditions
• Understanding how the equipment is utilized
• Operating equipment including, but not limited to: telehandler, skid steers, tractors, ATVs, pay loaders, aerial lifts and fork lifts
• Performing welding, cutting, and fabrication on plant and structural equipment
• Maintaining a clean facility and following the sanitation schedule completing all tasks as assigned
• Keeping the plant safe by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance
• Training new team members in the Maintenance Department
• Clearly and concisely communicating with other departments
• Maintaining a team environment at all times and championing POET in the community
• Fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times
• Maintaining and advancing the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality

Qualifications & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Documented successful performance as a Maintenance Technician I or equivalent work experience required
• Experience with fabrication, welding, cutting; repair of equipment such as pumps, gearboxes, airlocks, fans/blowers, agitator assemblies, and valves; boiler operations and water chemistry; material handling systems such as conveyors; preventative maintenance practices, fabrication and repair of metal/plastic piping systems; and instrument and electrical work preferred
• Experience with concrete work, hydraulics, pneumatic and fluid processes, and ability to read schematic drawings is helpful
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, self-contained breathing system, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness
• Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors
• Be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): various hand tools, skid loader, scoop shovels, pipe wrenches, impact wrench, air hose, and shuttle wagon
• Must also be able to operate machinery such as a payloader and Trackmobile for long periods of time
• Frequently Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions
• Bend forward while standing
• Reach overhead
• Pull up to 40lbs
• Kneel and crouch for up to 15 minutes at a time
• Occasionally Pull up to 95lbs, with or without assistance
• Lift and carry up to 50lbs, with or without assistance
• Grip with a force of up to 80lbs
• Sit for 15 minutes on a stool, sometimes rotation sitting
• Pinch with a force of 20lbs
• Push up to 20lbs