Shift Supervisor

About the role

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. The Shift Supervisor is responsible for the supervision of the Plant Technicians and for creating a positive work environment. Team members in this position strive for maximum efficiency in plant operations and support operations through problem solving, adaptation, and working with other departments to correct process problems.

The Shift Supervisor plans, directs, and coordinates the operations of the bioprocessing facility by implementing changes as necessary. Team members in this position are also responsible for optimizing plant runtime as well as downtime while ensuring a quality end product. POET bioprocessing facilities operate on a 24-hour continuous schedule which requires Shift Supervisors to work a 12-hour shift schedule (including nights, weekends, and holidays) alongside their assigned team. This is an on-site role located in Fairmont, NE.

Responsibilities

• Supervise plant operations on shift.
• Influence and support execution of plant maintenance as developed by the Maintenance Manager.
• Assure all daily documentation and required process information is completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Make process decisions including shutting plant down if necessary.
• Contact the appropriate department manager with problems/concerns; call in additional team members if needed.
• Maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant including boilers, cooling towers, and water chemistry.
• Develop an understanding of repair and maintenance of plant equipment and may need to ensure documentation of all maintenance activities.
• Understand basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Strive for maximum efficiency in plant operations, troubleshoot and work with all departments to correct process problems.
• Learn and operate the DCS (computer control system) and other processes associated with the plant operations.
• Update SOPs and train personnel for procedure changes and plant modifications.
• Respond to collected data and make adjustments to optimize plant operation. Perform quality control tests on product streams and make necessary adjustments.
• Perform or supervise the removal, installation, rebuilding, lubrication, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Perform or supervise preventative and proactive maintenance tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
• Coordinate effective communication during shift exchange to ensure safe, efficient and continuous plant operation.
• Operate forklift as necessary. Monitor safe forklift operations on a regular basis.
• Assure all products manufactured meet established specifications.
• Assure compliance with all company, State and Federal regulatory agencies policies and rules; assist in implementing approved changes.
• Effectively lead the team by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training team members. Leadership responsibilities also include delegating, coaching, managing performance and career development to effectively execute departmental strategies and support company objectives.
• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; secondary education preferred.
• Production or operational experience is required; operational background in ethanol production is preferred.
• 3 years of previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

Skills

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• 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

• 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: 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 40 lbs.
• Kneel and crouch for up to 15 minutes at a time.
• Occasionally pull up to 95 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs, with or without assistance.
• Grip with a force of up to 80 lbs.
• Sit for 15 minutes on a stool, sometimes rotation sitting.
• Pinch with a force of 20 lbs.
• Push up to 20 lbs.

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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations.
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.