What are the responsibilities and job description for the Floor Technician position at Cold Steppe Inc.?
ABOUT COLD STEPPE
Cold Steppe converts agricultural waste - rice hulls, sawdust, and other overlooked biomass - into biochar and renewable energy. Our mission is simple: To find what is left behind and turn it into something that moves us forward. Our first facility, AR-1, is coming online in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and the people who join now will help set the standard for every site that follows. Cold Steppe is a certified service-disabled veteran-owned business, and veterans, tradespeople, and anyone ready to learn are welcome here.
Steward What Matters • Speak Up Stand Together • Safe Space No Exceptions • Stack the Impact • Set the Standard
Location
Stuttgart, Arkansas (on-site, AR-1 facility)
Reports To
Shift Supervisor, AR-1
Employment Type
Full-time, hourly
Schedule
Monday to Friday (8am – 6pm), 8 – 10 hours per day, OT eligible, opportunities for weekends and overnight shifts as production ramps.
Compensation
$50,000–$60,000/year (approx. $23–$28/hr), based on experience and certifications, plus benefits, consistent with our commitment to pay above local prevailing wage
THE ROLE
The Floor Technician keeps AR-1's processing equipment - including our rotary kiln and related biomass-to-biochar systems - running safely and efficiently. You'll monitor equipment in real time, make process adjustments, catch problems early, and help build the operating habits this facility will run on for years to come. This is one of our first frontline hires at AR-1 - you'll have real input into how the role and the floor take shape.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Start up, operate, and shut down processing equipment (rotary kiln and related systems), adjusting feed rate, temperature, and airflow to keep production on spec.
- Monitor equipment continuously - temperature, pressure, and other key readings - and catch abnormalities before they become downtime.
- Perform routine equipment checks, basic maintenance, and cleaning; flag anything beyond routine to the maintenance team.
- Troubleshoot process issues in real time and know when to adjust versus when to escalate.
- Pull samples and run basic quality checks to confirm biochar output meets spec.
- Keep accurate shift logs and production records.
- Follow all safety protocols and PPE requirements, and speak up when something looks unsafe.
- Work closely with the Logistics Technician team on feedstock flow and with Shift Supervision on handoffs between shifts.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Some hands-on experience with industrial or mechanical equipment, or a trade certification (e.g., welding, electrical, HVAC, diesel/heavy equipment, manufacturing).
- Comfort working around industrial machinery, heat, and outdoor/semi-outdoor conditions.
- A safety-first mindset and willingness to follow (and help improve) standard operating procedures.
- Mechanical aptitude and a genuine interest in learning how the kiln and process systems work - we'll train you on our specific equipment and process.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods.
- A team-first attitude, AR-1's first crew sets the tone for every site that follows.
Make It Safe
GROWTH AT COLD STEPPE
Degrees aren't required for hire or advancement here, we look for talent, dedication, and skill. As AR-1 scales and future facilities come online, we're building structured paths from Floor Technician into shift lead, supervisor, and specialized technical roles, along with SkillsBridge-aligned training and apprenticeship programs to help you grow with us.
Salary : $50,000 - $60,000