At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
Join a world-class team where technology, teamwork, and hands-on expertise come together to drive a global bioprocessing operation 24/7
As a Plant Technician, you'll operate advanced processing equipment, perform hands-on maintenance, and help keep a highly automated facility running safely and efficiently. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, and staying active in a fast-paced environment while gaining valuable experience in industrial operations and maintenance.
SCHEDULE
Ability to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule:
Days: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nights: 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
2-3-2 schedule with every other weekend off
Shift rotation occurs approximately every 6 weeks.
Schedule includes weekends and holidays as part of continuous 24/7 plant operations.
Every day brings something active and engaging:
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 and make adjustments to optimize plant operations, timely and accurately document results and enter results into our data collection system, PI.
Assist in removal, installation, rebuild, and performance of preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with plant processes.
Help keep your plant clean by following the sanitation schedule and completing all tasks as assigned.
Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
We don’t expect you to know it all—we’re ready to train the right people:
High-energy and motivated individuals
Dependable team players who take pride in getting the job done right
Safety-minded attitude in all tasks
Willingness to learn equipment and operational systems
Ability to work a rotating schedule, transitioning between day and night shifts every six weeks
Comfortable working 12-hour workdays and be able to meet call-in requirements as needed
Full training provided; no prior bioprocessing experience needed for entry-level positions
Opportunity to build a long-term, stable career
Multiple career paths available, including progression through Plant Technician levels and opportunities to explore roles in other areas of the plant and/or POET locations
Fast-paced work where no two days are the same
A strong team environment where everyone contributes
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 Technician I 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 are required.
Experience with software systems, such as Maximo, preferred.
Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.
This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors. Due to the nature of the work, the areas can be dusty at times.
Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): forklift, power washer, pallet jack, hoist systems, scissor lifts, JLG lifts, telehandlers, Front End Loaders, various hand tools, and computers.
Frequently:
Sitting in a chair in the Control Room while operating the plant
Walk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces
Carry to up to 15lbs
Climb stairs and/or ladders
Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas
Reach at arm’s length to gather samples
Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions
Use coordination and grip, with a force of up to 50lbs
Bend while standing
Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area
Climb in and out of Powered Industrial Vehicles
Occasionally:
Lift up to 50lbs, with or without assistance
Carry up to 40 lbs, with our without assistance
Push with a force of 10lbs, with or without assistance
Pull with a force of up to 85lbs, with or without assistance
Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium weighted objects
Since we are all about teamwork, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique set of physical requirements.
Due to the physical and safety-sensitive nature of this job, you will be subject to a physical and expected to pass a drug screen during the pre-screen process. During employment, you’ll be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.
Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
401K with company match
Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition reimbursement
Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
Discounted home and auto insurance
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. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.
POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for America’s farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes high-quality animal feed, corn oil, green asphalt rejuvenator, purified alcohol, and renewable CO2, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 140 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding lower-carbon, more efficient renewable energy and bioproducts.
