Material Handler

About the role

Poet is dedicated to being good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources into energy and other valuable goods. With over three decades of experience, Poet has established itself as the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products worldwide.

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
• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• 'Family-first' culture
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Material Handler is responsible for loading dried distillers' grains, ethanol, corn oil, wet cake feed, distiller’s syrup, or biomass into trucks and rail cars. Team members in this position use mechanical equipment, meters or scales as well as computers and software equipment when loading products to ensure a timely delivery and product safety.

Based on training provided, the Material Handler may also complete the grading of grain products or biomass. This is an on-site role located in Ashton, IA. Responsibilities include:

• Load trucks and rail cars with feed and fuel products of POET bioprocessing facilities using mechanical equipment, meters and scales as required to ensure timely delivery of products.
• Assist with grain product or biomass and supply truck unloading functions.
• Complete the grading of grain products or biomass using training provided.
• Operate large machinery and equipment; may be required to obtain DOT certification.
• Maintain a clean work area.
• Enter bins adhering to POET’s confined space procedures.
• Complete HAZMAT paperwork when necessary.
• Learn, maintain and operate all processes associated with the grains operation including repair and maintenance.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks as directed.
• Be required to work outdoor, weekend, and holidays.
• Must be able to meet call-in requirements as well as work extended hours as necessary.
• Assist with running the bioprocessing facility scale house and learn required software applications.
• Work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business related matters.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance 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.
• Material Handler I: No experience required.
• Material Handler II: Documented successful performance as a Material Handler I or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience and knowledge in the operation of heavy machinery, skid loaders or other associated heavy loading or material-moving equipment preferred.
• Experience in truck loading and unloading, including rail tank car and tanker truck preferred.
• DOT certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wear 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.
• Work 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 climb a step ladder and/or stairs.
• Walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces.
• Reach forward, backward, and overhead to fill railcars.
• Reach at arm’s length to gather samples.
• Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs.
• Bend while standing.
• Climb in & out of Powered Industrial Vehicles.
• Occasionally grip with a force of 40lbs to prep rail cars.
• Kneel and crouch and pull tools with a force of up to 95lbs.
• Carry up 40lbs, sometimes up stairs, with or without assistance.
• Pull with a force of up to 120lbs, with or without assistance.
• Bend forward to fill railcars.
• Due to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.