Production Operator

Production Operator in the Fermentation Department

Join us as our new Production Operator in the Fermentation Department. Our Production Operators at Novonesis are skilled workers tasked with setting up, monitoring, and maintaining equipment and processes in our industrial biotechnology factory. Our industrial biotechnology factory uses microbes (living organisms found in nature) to produce BioSolutions—enzymes produced by fermenting and feeding microbes—and proteins used as food ingredients. These BioSolutions support a wide range of industries, including food, household care, animal nutrition, and biofuels.

The Role & Your Impact

In this role, you'll ensure safety, quality, and compliance of our production processes. Daily responsibilities include:

• Preparing raw materials
• Troubleshooting equipment
• Operating plant processing computers
• Making minor repairs and replacing parts
• Testing materials for quality and compliance

What You'll Need to Be Successful

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience preferred
• Proficient computer literacy
• Ability to move freely around the factory and outdoor surroundings, including pushing, pulling, kneeling, and squatting
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted
• Ability to manually manipulate and operate equipment and tools (e.g., turning valves, aligning hoses)
• Use of PPE including uniform, hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, hair net, beard net, and respirator
• Ability to climb stairs and work at heights (ladders, platforms, tanks)
• Ability to enter and work in confined spaces
• Ability to pass a written test for certification purposes

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

Schedule:

• 12-hour shifts alternating between days & nights every 2 weeks (6:30–7:00 am/pm)
• 2‑2‑3 rotation:
  • Week 1: Work Mon–Tue, off Wed–Thu, work Fri–Sun
  • Week 2: Off Mon–Tue, work Wed–Thu, off Fri–Sun

Additional Information

• Overtime is frequently available
• Mandatory Certification program with promotion opportunities to Operator II and Senior Operator

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Pay:

• $25.05 base rate
• $3/hr night shift differential
• 1.5× Sunday pay rate

Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings account option
• Employee assistance program
• Parental leave
• All benefits begin on your first day