BIOFUELS OPERATOR I

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

Entry-level position responsible for the safe operation of the plant, working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, while supporting the policies, goals and objectives of the Company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform all job duties of Grain Operator and backfill as needed.
• Learn the ethanol process flow and the basic operation of all equipment necessary in the production of ethanol and co-products. 
• Participate in the process training program to further plant and equipment knowledge.  Completion of this program is required for future promotion.
• Maintain Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) records.
• Complete all routine plant tasks as assigned in a timely manner, including fermenter and propagator additions, ethanol transfer, and loading and receiving bulk chemicals and co-products.
• Understand and interpret QA/QC results and take appropriate action when required.
• Participate in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
• Sample and test process streams as required by the QA/QC program and procedures.
• Communicate directly with the Lead Ethanol Operator to report necessary maintenance and repair work in process areas.  Good communication with supervisor and peers is expected.
• Perform preventive maintenance activities as required.
• Assist maintenance technicians in performing maintenance and repairs.
• Participate in programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness and maintain Master Sanitation Schedule documentation.
• Monitor inventories of process chemicals and supplies and replenish as needed.
• Act as an authorized employee in ICM Biofuels’ Control of Hazardous Energy Program.
• Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including but not limited to, Attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Responsible for production of safe feed and adherence to internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
• Adhere to the LifeLine Group Code of Team Behavior.  In that regard, this position may be expected to perform duties outside the key responsibilities.
• Responsible for quality and personal safety.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is manufacturing.
• Occasionally exposed to airborne particles (dust).
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes, toxic chemicals and risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate required; Technical degree/certification preferred.  Previous experience in operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant and/or grain facility preferred.
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• Ability to learn and work effectively with plant Distributed Control System (DCS).

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• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Basic math skills required.
• Basic mechanical skills preferred.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures. 
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English is required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal customers.
• Technology proficient to include use of computers, tablets and two-way radio communications.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion.
• Ability to maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Capable of adapting, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished, with no diminishment in work performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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• Shift schedules may change based upon business needs.
• Required to sit; use hands to finger; handle, feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak; hear, taste and smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to safely work at heights up to 175’, which may include ladders, platforms, equipment tops and scaffolding.
• Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces (as needed) and wear all safety equipment.
• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevations up to 175 feet. 
• Travel may be required as needed.