Technician

Refinery Technician

The Refinery Technician operates and monitors glycerin refinery equipment to achieve production targets safely and efficiently. This role focuses on process control through systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS), routine quality sampling, chemical handling, and basic preventive maintenance while strictly adhering to plant safety procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Operate refinery equipment and manage glycerin refinery plant operations using systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) to meet production targets and maintain efficiency.
• Monitor process parameters, alarms, and equipment status, and make timely adjustments to ensure optimal performance and product quality.
• Collect samples from designated sampling points and deliver them promptly to the laboratory for quality testing and analysis.
• Handle and fill chemicals according to production requirements, ensuring accurate dosing and strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks on field equipment, including basic inspections and upkeep, to support reliable operation.
• Report any equipment issues, irregularities, or potential hazards to the appropriate personnel to facilitate corrective action.
• Follow all plant safety procedures and guidelines, especially when working with hazardous materials, pressurized steam, or high-temperature equipment.
• Use forklifts and other material-handling equipment safely to move materials and products as needed for production.
• Operate production machinery and equipment, including machine operating tasks and inspection activities, to support continuous operations.
• Use hand tools and basic mechanical skills to assist with minor repairs, adjustments, and equipment setup in the refinery.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas, including cleanroom or controlled environments, to support safe and efficient operations.
• Conduct visual inspections of equipment and production areas to identify issues related to quality, safety, or mechanical performance.
• Work comfortably in confined spaces and in areas with exposure to chemicals, dust, heat, noise, fumes, and pressurized steam while following all PPE and safety requirements.
• Communicate effectively with production operators and team members across shifts to coordinate activities and share critical information.
• Utilize computer systems to monitor processes, enter data, and complete required documentation and reports.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand and work with refinery and production equipment.
• Experience with quality control practices, including sampling, inspection, and adherence to laboratory testing procedures.
• Troubleshooting skills to identify and respond to process or equipment issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment safely.
• Production and machine operating experience in an industrial, manufacturing, or refinery environment.
• Proficiency in using hand tools for basic mechanical tasks and minor equipment adjustments.
• Computer proficiency for monitoring processes, entering data, and completing electronic documentation.
• Valid driver's license.
• Comfort working at heights.
• Ability to routinely lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
• Comfort working in confined spaces and in areas with exposure to chemicals, pressurized steam, dust, heat, noise, and fumes.
• Strong adherence to safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in construction or industrial environments that involve mechanical systems and equipment.
• Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment work practices.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team of production operators across multiple shifts.
• Potential eligibility for tuition assistance based on company programs and performance.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a supportive environment that offers a 5% 401(k) match after one year, seven paid holidays, flex days, and three weeks of PTO to start. The organization provides yearly wage increases, end-of-year cash bonus opportunities, and clear promotion pathways, with evaluations typically occurring within 6-12 months. There is potential access to tuition assistance, reflecting a commitment to professional growth, development, and long-term career progression.

Work Environment:

This role operates on a 12-hour schedule from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. in a climate-controlled facility that includes both indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions. You will work in areas that may involve confined spaces and exposure to chemicals, pressurized steam, dust, heat, noise, and fumes, alongside roughly ten production operators on each shift. The dress code is casual, with steel-toed boots, hard hat, safety glasses, and additional personal protective equipment required; uniforms are provided after a period of employment.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ames, IA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $22.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in Ames, IA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.