Plant Technician

Job Summary

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. At times, Plant Technicians may be asked to assist Maintenance Technicians in more technical and complex maintenance procedures.

The position requires knowledge of process flow, computer equipment, hazard awareness, and execution of SOPs. Continuous plant operation requires 12‑hour shift work.

• Maintain and operate all processes associated with the plant.
• 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.
• Enter results into the data collection system (PI).
• Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
• Maintain plant cleanliness following the sanitation schedule.
• Notify management of safety, environmental, quality and production concerns, problems, and opportunities.
• Foster a culture of safe behaviour and environmental compliance.
• Maintain a team environment and promote POET within the community.

High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Experience:
  
  Plant Technician I – preferred experience in a production environment.
• 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 below required.
• Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension and mechanical reasoning.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with software systems such as Maximo preferred.
• Excellent organisational, time‑management, and communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

A Successful Candidate Will Have

• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Innovative mindset and objective thinking.
• Self‑awareness in the face of uncertainty.
• Team‑oriented.

Roles may require wearing PPE such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, hazardous material suits, hearing protection, and harnesses. Work may involve extreme heights (≈150ft), confined spaces, temperatures from −20°F to +100°F, and dusty conditions.

• Use of forklifts, power washers, pallet jacks, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, hand tools, and computers (training provided).
• Sitting in a chair while operating the plant.
• Walking indoors and outdoors over rough, uneven, or slick surfaces.
• Carrying up to 15lbs.
• Climbing stairs or ladders and standing to clean/maintain areas.
• Reaching for samples and handling awkward postures.
• Bending, twisting, turning, kneeling, and crouching with light to medium‑weighted objects.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50lbs, pushing, pulling, and handling heavy equipment.

Drug and alcohol screening is required during pre‑screening and at random intervals during employment.

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions.
• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40hours of PTO available on Day1, plus a biweekly PTO accrual program.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with generous Health Savings Account contribution.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance and bonus programs for qualifying positions/locations.
• Safety and cold‑weather gear reimbursements.
• Discounted home and auto insurance.
• Wellness program covering mental, physical, and spiritual health.
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

Alexandria, IN (On‑site)

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.