Plant Technician

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

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. Continuous plant operation requires 12‑hour shift work and the ability to adapt to 12‑hour workdays and meet call‑in requirements as needed.

• 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, make adjustments to optimize plant operations, and record results in the PI data collection system.
• Assist 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 plant environment by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best‑in‑class culture of quality.
• Apply teamwork and collaborative skills in a variety of uses.

• 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 TechnicianI 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 required.
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills and the ability to embrace change.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and capability to learn new programs.

• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within and 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.

• 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 (~150ft), in confined spaces, and in temperatures ranging from
  -20°F to +100°F, both indoors and outdoors.
• Carry loads up to 40–60lbs with or without assistance; push or pull forces up to 85lbs as required.
• Use equipment such as forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, and various hand tools.
• Stand, sit, climb stairs and ladders, bend, twist, turn, kneel, crouch, and reach at breast or arm’s length while maintaining safety and accuracy.
• Pass a drug screen during the pre‑screen process and be subject to random drug and alcohol testing while employed.

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.