Biorefinery Plant Operator

Minnesota Soybean Processors is a 2300 member cooperative that owns and operates a soybean crush facility and bio-diesel facility in Brewster, Minnesota. The MnSP mission is to provide the maximum value-added return to our investors by combining the latest soybean processing technologies with proven management.

The Brewster facility started processing beans in our crushing facility in 2003 with the addition of the Bio-diesel refining facility in 2005. The process all starts with the farmer. Our farmers strive to deliver beans that are high in oil and protein content. Minnesota Soybean Processors goal, along with the assistance of our members, is to provide a high quality feed product for America’s producers as well as providing a high quality renewable fuel source.

Job Summary

The Biorefinery Plant Operator operates and monitors computerized biodiesel and refinery equipment and machinery to ensure quality production of refined soybean oil, biodiesel and other soybean bi-products. Performs various testing and sampling throughout the production process.

• Starting wage: $20.00 per hour, plus a $2.00 per hour shift differential when working 7:00 pm – 7:00 am
• Schedule; normal hours are 7:00am – 7:00pm and 7:00pm – 7:00am. including weekends and holidays.
• Four weeks of days and switch to four weeks of nights.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and promote a strong safety culture and follow safety policies, procedures and OSHA regulations. Identify and communicate work place hazards and correct or seek assistance in correcting unsafe conditions.
• Operate and control highly automated production process using various tools; gauges, trending data, etc., to effectively produce soybean related products.
• Monitor, adjust and record operating parameters to ensure specifications and production targets are normal.
• Conduct and document, in log book, accurate regular plant checks, secure samples and performs necessary process control tests required for the successful operation of the plant ensuring products meet quality, customer, and other regulatory standards.
• Notify appropriate management team of production concerns, problems and opportunities.
• Transfers, manually or by using equipment, chemical products to and from necessary workstations.
• Maintain designated housekeeping through daily, weekly, monthly and annual schedules to MnSP standards.
• Performs light maintenance including; removal, rebuild, preventive and predictive maintenance on all equipment associated with all plant processes.
• Participates in monthly environmental, health, and safety training, and departmental meetings as required.
• Maintain a team environment and high level of customer service, and friendly atmosphere.
• Cross train in all Refinery and Biodiesel plant processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED desired.
• Must be able to pass a physical and drug screen.
• Basic computer skills including a working knowledge or Microsoft Office programs.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work unsupervised.
• Some mechanical background including the ability to recognize signs of operation failure and troubleshoot.

Job Expectations

• Continuous plant operations requires 12-hour shift work including; nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Works mandatory overtime: including vacation and sick coverage.
• Physically report to work on time and is seldom absent

Work Environment and Equipment

• Works indoors in temperature-controlled room and exposed to marked changes in temperature from -20 to +100 degrees.
• Able to spend long periods being on your feet including walking, standing and climbing steps and ladders.
• Works around industrial machinery and equipment.
• Occasionally works in confined quarters and on or around high structures.
• Occasionally exposed to dust, chemicals and fumes.
• Often exposed to excessive noise.
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May operate motorized equipment to include, but is not limited to, forklifts, skid loaders, etc.

Compensation

• $20.00 - $22.00 per hour