Prairie AquaTech is seeking a full-time Fermentation Technician in a growing, fast-paced, product development-focused environment. Prairie AquaTech is an animal health and nutrition company focused on upgrading plant-based meals via fermentation into a high-quality protein for use in food animal diets. This position offers the employee the unique opportunity to operate in both a laboratory and plant environment. This position works on a revolving 12-hour schedule, day shift.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Meticulously execute Standard Operating Procedures for aseptically preparing sterile seed cultures for production fermentation, with culture sizes ranging from lab to production scale
• Evaluate culture purity, cell growth, and cell quality in production seed train and main fermentation
• Monitor and operate equipment in accordance with operational instructions and use of a distributed control system
• Perform maintenance, inspection, cleaning of equipment in accordance with operational instructions
• Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure equipment is working properly
• Communicate with multiple departments to facilitate processes
• Properly handle the chain of custody for samples and results
• Awareness of when to involve senior staff in more complex problems
• Report when maintenance or repairs are necessary
• Respect a culture of safety first for you and your peers through strict adherence to health and safety procedures and protocols

Qualifications:

• BSc in science-related field or associate degree/diploma in a science or engineering field
• Ability to multitask, and maintain focus and quality of each task
• Experience and/or coursework in microbiology and aseptic technique preferred
• Strong technical and mechanical troubleshooting abilities preferred
• Experience with plant operations equipment is a plus
• Experience with microscopy, spectroscopy, and assay development is a plus
• Ability to follow company Standard Operating Procedures
• Ability to work independently and with excellent time management
• Ability to follow protocols with high precision and accuracy
• Keen attention to detail with strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Quick and effective diagnosis and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• This position includes responsibilities in a laboratory and production environment. Employees will work near moving mechanical parts and work directly with steam and chemical solutions. Employees are required to wear head protection, eye protection, and steel-toed footwear in the plant, and may experience loud environments requiring hearing protection. Employees may experience hot, cold, humid, odorous, and wet conditions. Employees must be able to lift 60 pounds safely without assistance.

Job Location: Prairie AquaTech 310 Caspian Avenue, Volga, SD 57071

Compensation: Pay based on experience and education.