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 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.

• 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
• Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

• The Plant Technician is responsible for the operation of all plant processing equipment and performing routine basic maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility.
• In the area of maintenance, Plant Technicians are responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance, basic repair, and cleaning of all equipment associated with bioprocessing processes. They may assist Maintenance Technicians in more technical and complex maintenance procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and hazards associated with the process; understand and execute standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work; be able to adapt to 12-hour workdays and meet call-in requirements as needed.

• Use knowledge to maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant where required.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs of plant equipment and document 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 into data systems (PI).
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Maintain plant sanitation and housekeeping per schedule.
• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality, and production concerns and opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment and represent POET in the community.
• Maintain and advance food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
• Be prepared to contribute to other tasks as needed to complete the job.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience requirements:
• Plant Technician I: experience in a production environment preferred.
• Plant Technician II: documented successful performance as 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.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with software systems (e.g., Maximo) preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills; ability to embrace change.
• Ability to understand the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills; able to learn new programs.

• Adherence to safety requirements; work in multiple environments (plant, laboratory, office).
• Exposure to high noise, moving parts, dusty conditions, weather, and chemicals.
• Pre-employment drug screen and random drug/alcohol testing during employment.
• Physical capabilities include: PPE use, working at heights up to approximately 150 ft, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and operation of equipment/tools; includes lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, bending, climbing, and repetitive motions.

We’re all on the same team. We communicate openly, value teamwork, and support a healthy work-life balance. POET offers opportunities for professional growth and internal development, with leaders supporting skill development and value creation. POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic.