Plant Operator

American Peat Technology is seeking a plant equipment operator to support ongoing and new operations at the Aitkin facility. Our ideal candidate has attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work a 12-hour shift. The schedule for this position is 12-hour shifts with 7 shifts in a two week period from 4:00 to 4:00. The position will be on days for four weeks and rotate to nights for four weeks. The schedule is Mon-Tue, Fri-Sat-Sun, Wed-Thur. Every other weekend is off. 84 hours per two weeks pay period with 8 hours of overtime. This position starts at $18/hr. with a performance review after the first 90 days and annual reviews after that. Shift differential is paid when on the night shift. APT offers PTO, a medical, dental, and vision plan, matching 401K and charitable giving plans, and paid volunteer opportunities. This position reports to the Plant Supervisor of the Aitkin facility. Key Responsibilities Monitor process equipment. Observe equipment to ensure product is being created to acceptable size. Monitor and adjust feed rates, water additive, and listen and observe equipment for mechanical failure. Monitor dryer and humidity levels for proper drying of the product. Monitor screening equipment. Load rotary mixer with raw product as needed with skid steer. Change out product bags with forklift when full. Change out oversize and undersize bags with forklift when needed. Work closely with APT staff to ensure that company goals for production, safety and stewardship are being met. Test product for moisture content. Load trucks with forklift as needed. Perform maintenance on equipment as required and needed. Assist with pellet mill die replacement and adjustment. Assist with other equipment repair as needed. Observe all safety protocols and follow safety program requirements. Look for ways to minimize waste and increase recovery. Position Requirements Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to climb ladders and stairs to access work areas. Mechanical aptitude is a plus. Experience operating a fork-lift and a skid-steer is preferred but training is provided for all equipment operations. Welding skills, safety training, and other manufacturing experience is helpful but not required. About American Peat Technology American Peat Technology, LLC (APT) is a 20-year-old privately-owned business located in Spencer Township near the City of Aitkin in Central Minnesota and the southwest corner of the State’s Iron Range Region. APT’s flagship business is the harvesting of peat to produce valuable granular products for the agriculture and water treatment markets. In recent years, APT has expanded the scope of its business to four distinct market areas: Agronomy (row crops, turf, and horticulture) Water treatment Mineral mining and processing Consumer products including spirits and personal care products With the expanded business focus, APT is committed to growth, both throughout its business interests and among its talented family of employees. APT is committed to its member-investors, employees, customers, and community, led by its Mission, Vision, and Values: Mission Creating global impact by unlocking the potential of overlooked resources Vision Solving the world’s gnarliest issues Values Resourceful – We are creative problem solvers who use what we have, and a can‑do attitude, to overcome any challenge. Industrious – We work hard and get dirty to make our living. Stewardship – We serve and care for all that has been entrusted to us: our business, our people, our community, and our planet. Entrepreneurial – We pursue overlooked opportunities and create new solutions – often from scratch. About Aitkin, Minnesota Aitkin is located about 90 miles west of Duluth and 150 miles north of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Aitkin County is known by its tagline, “Naturally Better.” Aitkin hosts a wide variety of natural resources and outdoor adventure opportunities in addition to possessing a thriving arts, music and farm‑to‑table scene. Located between the Mississippi and Ripple Rivers, Aitkin sits 20 miles from the internationally renowned Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails and 35 miles from the Brainerd Lakes Area, which welcomes millions of annual visitors from all over the world. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. American Peat Technology is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr