Laboratory Technician II

  • POET
  • Coon Rapids, IA
  • 4mo ago
  • Full-Time
  • On-site

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

The Laboratory Technician II is responsible for performing various tests including all applicable quality control standards and samples and reporting results to the Quality Manager. This team member is also accountable for ensuring all necessary tests are completed accurately and in a timely manner as well as training operators in proper field sampling and testing techniques.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY

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

  • *Complete all necessary tests and ensure all data leaving the lab is accurate and precise through efficient and timely QC data entry.

  • Ensure all quality control standards, duplicates, and cross-validations are completed as established by POET Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

  • *Perform quality assurance testing on supporting laboratory equipment weekly.

  • Sanitize and maintain laboratory equipment.

  • * Perform and analyze daily and weekly NIR IT (PQ) tests; report any significant deviations or test failures to the Quality Manager.

  • * Perform NIR External Cross Validations as established by POET SOP to ensure NIR calibrations are working properly; report deviations to the Quality Manager.

  • Ensure HPLC Secondary Standards are within control limits.

  • Participate in and conduct laboratory meetings when needed; act as backup for Quality Manager when necessary.

  • * Work with the operations team to maximize efficiency and output of plant operations.

  • Provide feedback to operations regarding plant performance based on testing results.

  • Train operators in proper field sampling and testing procedures.

  • Maintain, calibrate, and validate the operations analytical instrumentation.

  • Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.

  • 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 skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, or related science required. May consider POET Lab Tech I experience with documented successful performance.

  • Basic troubleshooting skills and prior analytical experience required.

  • Previous experience to the concepts of quality assurance and quality control within the laboratory environment required.

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

  • Excellent organizational, time management, and communications skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.

  • You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

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 understanding of company policy, procedures, and values. Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements in all work environments. This position operates in multiple work environments, including a plant environment, a laboratory environment as well as an office environment. In the lab, the team member will work with a range of analytical instrumentation, multiple chemical reagents, and perform various wet chemistry tests. In the office, the team member will work on a personal computer. In the plant environment, the team member may be exposed to noise, heat, and other elements both inside and outside. While performing the duties of this position, the team member will be exposed to moving, mechanical parts, dusty conditions, high noise levels, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and exposed to chemicals.

  • Specific physical requirements include:
  • Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
  • Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
  • Opening valves.
  • Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
  • Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
  • Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
  • Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
  • Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
  • Standing for extended periods of time.
  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Using hand and power tools.

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.