Laboratory Technician

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.

PERKS

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

• 'Family-first' culture

• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

**This position will last 6-8 months**

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for maintaining a clean, professional and safe working environment in the lab at all times.  Team members in this position run multiple tests in accordance to the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP), ensure tests are completed in a timely manner and complete tests in a frequency that is established by the Quality Manager.  If any testing results are out of range, it is the responsibility of the Laboratory Technician to report this information to the Quality Manager.  This position is largely self-directed and requires understanding company policy, procedures and values.

This is an on-site role located in Mitchell, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Maintain a clean, professional and safe working environment in the laboratory.

• 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 SOP’s and according to the frequency established by the Quality Manager and/or Operations.

• Ensure all data is entered in a timely manner.

• Ensure all Quality Control Standards, duplicates and cross-validations are completed as established by POET Biorefining standard operating procedure.

• Perform NIR IT (PQ) testing on a weekly basis and report any test failures to the Quality Manager.

• Notify the Quality Manager when any quality control standards are not within specified limits.

• Work with operations on special testing requests.

• Must be able to meet call-in requirements as well as 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 to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.

• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Experience requirements:

  • 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. May consider POET Laboratory Technician I experience with documented successful performance.

• Prior experience with environmental testing and knowledge of cGMP, PI, QC and PQ reporting preferred.

• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• High level of personal integrity

• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization

• communicate effectively in writing and in person

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Ability to embrace and promote change

• Excellent organizational, time management and communications

• Innovative mindset

• Ability to think objectively

• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty

• Ability to work in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:

Frequently:

• Sit in a chair in the Lab

• Carry to up to 15lbs

• Stand indoors to clean and maintain areas

• Reach at arm’s length to gather samples

• Bend while standing

• Use repetitive arm motions to wipe down and maintain work area

Occasionally:

• Walk indoors and outdoors sometimes over rough, uneven, or wet/slick surfaces

• Climb stairs and/or ladders

• Be in awkward back, shoulder, wrists, and hand positions

• Bend, twist, turn, kneel, and crouch, while holding light and medium weighted objects

• Working at extreme heights (approximately 150 ft), in confined spaces, and in extreme temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees Fahrenheit, both indoors and outdoors

• 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.

• 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.

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 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.