Plant Technician

ABOUT POET

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. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

Join a world-class team where technology, teamwork, and hands-on expertise come together to drive a global bioprocessing operation 24/7 .

As a Plant Technician, you'll operate advanced processing equipment, perform hands-on maintenance, and help keep a highly automated facility running safely and efficiently. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, and staying active in a fast-paced environment while gaining valuable experience in industrial operations and maintenance.

SCHEDULE

Ability to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule:

Days: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Nights: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM

2-3-2 schedule with every other weekend off

Shift rotation occurs approximately every 6 weeks.

Schedule includes weekends and holidays as part of continuous 24/7 plant operations.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Every day brings something active and engaging:

Use your knowledge to maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant where required.

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, timely and accurately document results and enter results into our data collection system, PI.

Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.

Help keep your plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all tasks as assigned.

Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We don’t expect you to know it all—we’re ready to train the right people:

High-energy and motivated individuals

Dependable team players who take pride in getting the job done right

Safety-minded attitude in all tasks

Willingness to learn equipment and operational systems

Ability to work a rotating schedule , transitioning between day and night shifts every six weeks .

Comfortable working 12-hour workdays and be able to meet call-in requirements as needed

WHY JOIN US?

Full training provided; no prior bioprocessing experience needed for entry-level positions

Opportunity to build a long-term, stable career

Multiple career paths available , including progression through Plant Technician levels and opportunities to explore roles in other areas of the plant and/or POET locations

Fast-paced work where no two days are the same

A strong team environment where everyone contributes

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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, 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. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.

Must be able to use the following 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:

Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant

Walk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces

Carry to up to 15lbs

Climb stairs and/or ladders

Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas

Reach at arm’s length to gather samples

Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions

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 our 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

Since we are all about teamwork, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique set of physical requirements.

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.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

401K with company match

Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition reimbursement

Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements