Temporary Laboratory Technician

At POET, we are committed to being good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources into energy and other valuable goods efficiently. With over thirty years of experience, we are the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products worldwide.

• Multifaceted wellness program encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual health.
• Family‑first culture.
• On‑site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

This position lasts 6–8 months and is located in Mitchell, SD. The Laboratory Technician maintains a clean, professional, and safe working environment in the lab and conducts multiple tests according to SOPs.

• Maintain a clean, professional, and safe working environment.
• Perform quality control tests on product streams.
• Coordinate test results with operators to ensure optimum quality and efficiency.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and provide supply orders to the Quality Manager.
• Perform tests in accordance with approved POET SOPs and the frequency established by the Quality Manager or Operations.
• Enter all data in a timely manner.
• Complete all Quality Control Standards, duplicates, and cross‑validations as per POET Biorefining SOP.
• Perform NIR IT (PQ) testing weekly and report any failures to the Quality Manager.
• Notify Quality Manager when any quality control standards are not within specified limits.
• Work with operations on special testing requests.
• Meet call‑in requirements and work extended hours as necessary.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes.
• Maintain a team environment and champion POET in the community.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Laboratory Technician I: basic troubleshooting skills and prior analytical experience required.
• Laboratory Technician II:
  Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or related science required.
• Prior POET Laboratory Technician I experience with documented successful performance may be considered.
• Preferred: prior environmental testing experience and knowledge of cGMP, PI, QC, and PQ reporting.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new programs.
• High level of personal integrity.
• Interpersonal skills – ability to interact effectively at all levels.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to embrace and promote change.
• Excellent organizational, time‑management, and communication skills.
• Innovative mindset and objective thinking.
• Self‑awareness under uncertainty.
• Team‑work orientation.

Frequently:

• Sit in a chair in the lab.
• Carry up to 15lbs.
• Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas.
• Reach at arm’s length to gather samples.
• Bend while standing.
• Perform repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain the work area.

Occasionally:

• Walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or slick surfaces.
• Climb stairs and/or ladders.
• Work in awkward back, shoulder, wrist, and hand positions, as well as bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch while holding light or medium‑weighted objects.
• Work at extreme heights (~150ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from –20°F to +100°F, both indoors and outdoors.
• Use equipment such as forklifts, power washers, pallet jacks, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, front‑end loaders, and various hand tools and computers.

Due to the physical and safety‑sensitive nature of the job, a drug screen is required during pre‑screening, and random drug and alcohol testing will be conducted during employment.

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 legally protected characteristics.