Machine Operator

About Poet

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 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.

Benefits & Perks

Eligible Team Members May Receive

• $$ Competitive BONUS opportunities - up to SIX bonuses per year (Quarterly Profit Sharing & Value Share)
• Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours of PTO available on Day 1, on top of a biweekly PTO accrual program!
• Comprehensive benefits package; Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
• 401K with company match

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
• Discounted home and auto insurance

All Poet Team Members Enjoy

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• 'Family-First' Culture

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

Job Summary & Responsibilities

Night Shift, 7pm-7am, 2-2-3 shift schedule

JOB SUMMARY
The Machine Operator is responsible for the operation of all equipment associated with the production of dry ice from CO2. The Machine Operator will be responsible for production, regulatory compliance, inventory, and shipping. The Machine Operator will troubleshoot and maintain the dry ice equipment as needed. The Machine Operator may at times be asked to assist Maintenance Technicians in more technical or complex maintenance procedures. Team members in this position are required to maintain knowledge of the process flow, computerized equipment, and be aware of hazards associated with the process as well as understand and execute standard operating procedures. Continuous plant operation requires 12-hour shift work. Machine Operators must be able to adapt to 12-hour workdays and be able to meet call-in requirements as needed.
 

DURING A TYPICAL DAY (IF THERE IS ONE)…
- Use your knowledge to safely and efficiently operate the dry ice plant.
- Operate dry ice pelletizer, forklifts, pallet jacks, and sanitation equipment and chemicals.
- Keep the dry ice building and equipment clean inside and outside.
- Perform and document maintenance and repairs of equipment.
- Prepare shipping and other documents as required.
- Operate computers for both production and administrative tasks.
- Follow plant procedures for start-up and shutdown.
- Maintain accurate and timely logs.
- Keep your plant safe by fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.
- Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!
 

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- You must be a self-starter and able to work safely and productively without close supervision.
- Experience in a production environment preferred.
- Light to medium maintenance experience preferred.
- Knowledge of computers and MS Office and ability to learn production software systems.
- Working knowledge in math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning required.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skilled required.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills required.
- Ability to embrace change and adjust to changing priorities required.
 

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET
At POET we believe in recognizing team member contributions as they add value to the organization. Team member skills and contributions are frequently assessed and recognized through incentives and title progression. New team member titles and pay are determined considering their qualifications.
 

WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Culture is king at POET. 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.
- This position is largely self-directed and requires a thorough understanding of company policy, procedures, and values.
- Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. Dry ice is extremely cold and requires that gloves be worn when directly handling it. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment. You may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.
- 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.

This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, 
such as:
o Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed 
boots, self-contained breathing system, hazardous material suit, hearing protection, and harness.
o Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme 
temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors.
o Must be able to use the following equipment/tools, with training provided (not all encompassing): 
ladders, welding equipment, press, power washers, various hand tools, shovels, forklift, dollies, 
pulley hoist, overhead hoist, and bandsaw.
o Continuously:
▪  Climb stairs
▪  Walk indoors and outdoors, sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet surfaces

o Frequently
▪  Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions
▪  Bend forward while standing
▪  Reach overhead
▪  Pull up to 40lbs
▪  Kneel and crouch for up to 15 minutes at a time
o Occasionally:
▪  Pull up to 95lbs, with or without assistance
▪  Lift and carry up to 50lbs, with or without assistance
▪  Grip with a force of up to 80lbs
▪  Sit for 15 minutes on a stool, sometimes rotation sitting
▪  Pinch with a force of 20lbs
▪  Push up to 20lbs
o Since we are all about team work, you may be asked to help other roles that have their own unique 
set of physical requirements.
 

Culture Is King At Poet

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!

Growth & Development Opportunities

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.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.