Production Operator

Sumitomo Biorational is a worldwide leader in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biorational products for the agriculture, public health, and forestry markets. With over 60 years of experience, our products are used in sustainable operations across 95 countries. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical, we operate with the Sumitomo Spirit mindset, focusing on contributing to society while achieving business success.

About the role

As a Production Operator at our state-of-the-art 130,000 square foot facility in Osage, IA—the largest purpose-built biorational plant in the world—you will operate production equipment in a fermentation process. This includes media preparation, fermenters, sterilizers, centrifuges, thin film evaporators, separators, and filtration equipment, while complying with all safety and quality policies.

Responsibilities

• Support and comply with all safety and environmental training policies and programs.
• Operate all current and future equipment/job functions in the assigned area.
• Adjust equipment with assistance to achieve highest process capabilities.
• Use computerized operator interface to monitor and adjust critical equipment.
• Work at varying elevations and perform minor equipment maintenance (e.g., preventative maintenance, leak monitoring).
• Maintain a neat and clean work environment and complete required documentation.
• Clean, sterilize, and operate fermenters and filtration equipment.
• Perform in-process testing and manually operate valves.
• Walk, climb stairs, lift up to 50 lbs., open/close valves, stand, and sit as required.
• May be assigned to the Emergency Response Team.
• Follow VBC ISO9001 quality standards.
• Work in extreme temperatures while wearing a full-face respirator.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: 2-year technical degree or related experience.
• Ability to use computerized interfaces.
• Must be able to obtain an industrial truck license (valid driver’s license required).

Schedule

• 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, Monday - Friday
• 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM, Sunday - Thursday
• 5th Shift: 11:00 PM to 11:30 AM, Friday, Saturday, Monday

Pay

• 2nd & 3rd Shift: $24.86 to $29.81 per hour + $2.00/hour shift premium.
• 5th Shift: $24.86 to $29.81 per hour + $5.00/hour shift premium.
• Individual pay based on location, skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
• All full-time employees are eligible for an incentive or profit-sharing program in addition to base salary.

Benefits

• High-quality healthcare coverage (medical, vision, dental) starting on day one, with HSA/HRA options.
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus.
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions.
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals.
• Life and disability insurance for added security.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days.