Plant Technician

About the role

Poet is dedicated to converting renewable resources into energy and other valuable goods sustainably. Founded over three decades ago, we are now the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a global leader in sustainable products.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document these activities.
• Operate the DCS (Distributed Control System) for the plant.
• 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, and make adjustments to optimize plant operations.
• Document results and enter them into our data collection system, PI.
• Aid in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Help keep the plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all tasks as assigned.
• Notify the management team of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.
• Maintain a safe environment by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• 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.
• Experience requirements:
  • Plant Technician I: experience in a production environment preferred.
  • Plant Technician II: documented successful performance as a Plant Technician I or equivalent work experience required.
  • Plant Technician III: documented proficiency in the skills listed in the Plant Technician III Skills Checklist.
• Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning required.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are required.
• Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
• You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.
• A successful candidate will have:
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset.
• Ability to think objectively.
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, 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.
• Use equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.
• Frequently sit in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant.
• Walk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces.
• Carry up to 15lbs.
• Climb stairs and/or ladders.
• Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas.
• Reach at arm’s length to gather samples.
• Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs.
• Bend while standing.
• Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area.
• Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles.
• Occasionally lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance.
• Carry up to 40 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance.
• Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistance.
• Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium weighted objects.

Culture

We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance and encourage team members to participate in team events, volunteer efforts, and celebrations of successes.

Growth & Development Opportunities

We encourage internal development and growth by providing resources and support for team members to develop their skills, achieve goals, and contribute to the organization's success. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing their contributions.