Production Technician Lead in Training - Nights

Production Technician Lead in Training – Night Shift

At Houdek, we are pioneering sustainable solutions in agriculture by transforming soybeans into high-value ingredients that support animal health, environmental stewardship, and food system innovation. Based in Volga, South Dakota, we take pride in creating products that are rooted in science, powered by nature, and designed to make a meaningful difference.

We're growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of something bold and impactful. Our team works with purpose and pride, guided by the core values that shape our culture:

• Safety
  - We are committed to maintaining a safe, responsible, and healthy environment for all.
• Quality
  - From process to product, we hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Respect
  - We foster a workplace where every voice matters and collaboration thrives.
• Transparency
  - We communicate clearly, honestly, and often with our teams and our partners.
• Innovation
  - We challenge convention, solve complex problems, and drive new possibilities every day.

Prairie Aqua Tech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is a manufacturing company based in Volga South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high-quality feed ingredients. Using patent-pending technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading soybean meal to high-quality ingredients used in aquaculture and other animal feeds.

As a key member of the Production team, this role will report to the Production Supervisor and will be responsible for the following:

• Responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation processing plant during night shift.
• Oversee all production activities on shift to ensure throughput, quality, and performance targets are met.
• Follow procedures for plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning, and batching.
• Observe gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure equipment is operating properly.
• Responsible for initial troubleshooting of process issues.
• Evaluate operational data daily to ensure the process remains in control.
• Able to assist with troubleshooting of seed train issues.
• Review water tests, treatments, and logs; make chemical adjustments for boiler and cooling tower as needed.

• Accountable for maintaining a safety-first environment for all team members on shift.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental protocols.
• Must be able to manage and supervise confined space entries.
• Ensure complete and accurate log entries of all pertinent operational issues.
• Ensure complete and accurate REC's and shift reports.
• Notify the Production Supervisor of any production problems or safety concerns.

• Responsible for the safety, performance, and development of all shift team members.
• Develop a team environment that supports achievement of production goals.
• Mentor and coach team members while identifying opportunities for growth and skill development.
• Hold team members accountable through clear expectations, monitoring performance, and timely feedback.
• Recognize and reward achievements to motivate and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation and problem-solving.
• Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Ensure completion of position checklists and required job duties across the crew.
• Ensure the crew stays up to date with all required LMS and field training.

• Responsible for continued learning and progression through tier levels.
• Ability to attend required training or meetings outside of normal shift schedule.
• Any other tasks as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Minimum 1 year experience in Production.
• Minimum 1 year demonstrated ability to lead a small team.
• High school diploma required; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Production experience and familiarity with processing equipment (pumps, motors, etc.).
• Ability to multitask while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to follow protocols with precision and accuracy.
• Conflict resolution skills to effectively address workplace issues.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and maintain a positive team…