Plant Operator

Job Title: Plant Operator

Status: * *Non-Exempt-Full-Time

Department: Operations Manager

Salary Range: $18.00-24.00 (DOE)

Location: Delano, CA

Job Summary:

We are seeking motivated Plant Operators to join our growing biochar manufacturing team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new operations from the ground up. As a Plant Operator, you will play a key role in operating and maintaining production equipment, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality output.

We are particularly interested in hands-on professionals from industrial environments such as food processing, power generation, oil and gas, or similar fields who are passionate about operational excellence. This role offers meaningful growth opportunities as we scale operations and bring additional facilities online.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Functions:

• Operate industrial production equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor systems during operation and make adjustments to maintain performance and quality standards.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on motors, pumps, augers, and related mechanical systems
• Follow diagrams, SOPs, and operational manuals
• Follow company policies, and safety practices when performing job duties
• Inspect equipment, identify potential issues, and perform minor repairs
• Troubleshoot operational concerns by observing equipment and responding appropriately
• Support year-round production operations
• Use heavy machinery such as (forklift, front-end loaders) to move feedstock, load/unload, bag, and stockpile biochar
• Maintain accurate daily production logs, maintenance records, and inventory data on database, and prepare reports of production either on a daily basis or as needed.
• Assist with quality control testing, and improve outcomes where possible
• Reliable transportation to and from jobsite, and consistent attendance
• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as a forklift
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

1. Minimum Education Required

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Ability to read, write, and basic math calculations

2. Experience

• 3 years minimum of relevant operational, manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial experience

Preferred:

• Experience operating industrial equipment in a production environment· Familiarity with high-temperature systems (kilns, boilers, furnaces) or similar equipment
• Mechanical troubleshooting experience
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office or similar systems)
• Exposure to automated systems or PLCs

Preferred but not required:

• Prior experience in chemical processing or related industrial environments
• Experience in food processing, power generation, or oil production
• Technical degree or certification in a related field

3. Skills, Ability, and Knowledge:

• This position requires strong communication skills, and the ability to communicate well with team. Although this position does not require supervisory responsibilities, incumbent should have working knowledge of what work and responsibilities are necessary to run the operations smoothly during the operations manager absence.
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to follow safety procedures, based on Cal-OSHA, Site-Specific, and Company Safety protocols
• Ability to monitor equipment performance and adjust controls as needed.
• Strong knowledge on industrial safety and equipment
• Ability to work independently, self-starter, energetic, demonstrates good common sense and sound judgment
• Ability to work in varied indoor/outdoor environments, lift heavy materials when needed, and work in high-temperature environments
• Ability to maintain work area clean, organized, and hazard-free
• Ability to be a team player and cross train with co-workers
• Ability to work extended hours, holidays and weekends when needed.

4. Physical Requirements

• Ability to push, pull, carry, and lift up to a maximum of50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods at a time
• Occasionally required to bend, kneel, bend, and stoop
• Climb ladders, and walk on heights greater than 4 ft
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach, grasp, hold, handle items, and work with fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
• Clear vision (close and distant), peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• Hearing adequate for working safely around industrial setting, vehicles, and team members
• Industrial Setting: Exposure to dust, biochar particles, and machinery
• Ability to use Respiratory Mask-Requires a Pass on Respiratory Physical. Questionnaire /Spirometry/Mask Fitting

5. Work Environment

• Industrial Setting
• Moderate noise levels

6. Benefits

Full-Time Non-Exempt Employees eligible for:

• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for employee and dependents
• 401(k) Plan
• Career development opportunities in a mission-driven, sustainable industry
• Room for growth as we scale our operations and build new facilities

Our Sitos Commitment to you

This position is not limited to the responsibilities listed above. Team members will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of company initiatives as we continue expanding our manufacturing footprint.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, supportive, and diverse team. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How did you hear about this position?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Manufacturing / Industrial: 3 years (Preferred)
• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
• Forklift: 1 year (Preferred)
• Mechanical troubleshooting: 3 years (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Delano, CA 93215 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $24