Plant Operator

Koch Fertilizer in Wever, IA is looking for a Plant Operator to join our Ammonia, UREA, UAN, Nitric Acid & Utilities Operations teams!

This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to build a long-term career in fertilizer operations with a team that values ownership, initiative, and continuous improvement. In this role, the Operator controls equipment systems that process chemical substances into specified products and monitors the production process to ensure safety of personnel & efficiency of systems and equipment.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, looks for better ways to do things, brings problems forward, and is motivated to grow their capabilities over time within our operations team. Your responsibilities and opportunities will grow as you demonstrate capability — we expand decision rights, or authorities, for people who take ownership, build skills, apply what they learn, and contribute to the team’s success.

This role is not just about completing assigned tasks or earning certifications. Certifications and pay progression are tied to the results you deliver through demonstrated capability in the role. We recognize and invest in people who apply what they learn, take on more responsibility, and help the team improve.

The assigned work is outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The operator works 12-hour shifts on a 4-5-5 rotation alternating between 4-5 days or nights on, followed by 4-5 days off. This role will occasionally need to respond to callouts and work overtime as needed.

Our team values collaboration, continuous improvement, and a strong safety culture. You will work closely with other operators, maintenance personnel, and engineers to ensure the smooth operation of our facility.

• Process Monitoring & Control:Monitor and control plant units to ensure optimal performance. Safely startup, operate, and shutdown equipment, subsystems, and the entire unit when necessary.
• Coordination & Communication:Coordinate and collaborate with Maintenance, Lab, and other service departments for smooth running of the plant. Communicate any abnormalities or process deviations to control room/supervisors immediately.
• Safety and Environmental Commitment:Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and environmental policies, ensuring safe and efficient work practices.
• Documentation & Improvement:Assist the Operations team by periodically reviewing and suggesting updates to operational manuals, SOP’s and SOCL for accuracy. Make changes to the operating process as necessary to ensure safety, plant stability and maintain product quality.
• Learning & Development:Commit to continuous learning and improvement through gaining comprehensive knowledge of all process unit areas and board operations.

• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.
• Willing and Able to meet all physical requirements:
• Ability to walk 20,000 steps or more daily on concrete, gravel, and metal grated floors.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Climbing ladders and stairs to heights in excess of 100 feet.
• Ladder cages are tight spaces with minimal width, must be able to confidently climb ladders with little room to maneuver.
• Rapidly climbing over 200 stairs when required.
• Turning gate and ball valves requiring 50 or more pounds of force up to 10 minutes continuously for gate valves.
• Turn numerous ball valves at rapid pace at knee level and above head height.
• Work in extreme temperatures in personal protective equipment (PPE) frequently.
• Bending, reaching, and working crossbody with tools frequently.
• Lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Wearing a respirator when/where required to perform inspections/job duties.
• Entering in and working in confined spaces.
• Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and possible level A chemical suit as required.

• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience
• Experience working in a team-based, safety-critical environment
• Ability to operate automated operating systems.
• Ability to operate mobile equipment (forklift, telehandler, etc.).
• Knowledge in local,…