Biofuels Grain Operator

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

Responsible for safely and efficiently loading co-products for Dry Distiller’s Grains (DDG) and Wet Distiller’s Grains (WDG).  Responsible for grain bin cleaning, inventory management, wheel loader operation, wet pad management and general grounds upkeep.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learn and operate the computer Distributed Control System (DCS) for co-product loading.  Operate the conveyors and equipment associated with loading DDG. (DDG LOADOUT)
• Maintain accurate records of loading times, load numbers and inventory. (DDG LOADOUT)
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the DDG load-out area and DDG bin bottoms in the elevator basement. (DDG LOADOUT)
• Responsible for checking and cleaning 11^th Street secondary containment and running street sweeper on haul roads. (DDG LOADOUT)
• Safely inspect, maintain and operate the articulating front-end loader to load wet distiller’s grain trucks. (WDG LOADOUT)
• Scale WDG trucks in and out and complete Bill of Lading and all associated load-out paperwork using GP software. (WDG LOADOUT)
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the wet pad, wet pad scale and wet pad containment areas. (WDG LOADOUT)
• Perform pre & post load-out truck inspections.
• Sample and retain load-out product streams to ensure quality control.
• Must be able to operate all types of chemical industry equipment used in the plant including, but not limited to fermentation vessels, jet cookers, agitators, mixing / milling equipment, distillation columns, centrifuges and distributive control systems. 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers and strive to provide timely service.
• Maintain communication with Operations personnel to ensure adequate co-product inventories and operation.
• Communicate directly with Lead Ethanol Operator to report necessary maintenance and repair work needed in co-product load-out areas.
• Assist in maintaining the security and general upkeep of the plant and grounds.
• Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including but not limited to, Attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Responsible for production of safe feed and adherence to internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
• Adhere to the LifeLine Group Code of Team Behavior.  In that regard, this position may be expected to perform duties outside the key responsibilities.
• Responsible for quality and personal safety.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is manufacturing.
• Occasionally exposed to airborne particles (dust).
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes, toxic chemicals and risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent certificate required; Technical degree/certification preferred.  Previous experience in operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant and/or grain facility preferred.
  • • •  
• Ability to learn and work effectively with plant Distributed Control System (DCS).

• • • •  
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Basic math skills required.
• Basic mechanical skills preferred.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures. 
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English is required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal customers.
• Technology proficient to include use of computers, tablets and two-way radio communications.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion.
• Ability to maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Capable of adapting, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished, with no diminishment in work performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• • • •  
• Shift schedules may change based upon business needs.
• Required to sit; use hands to finger; handle, feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; speak; hear, taste and smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to safely work at heights up to 175’, which may include ladders, platforms, equipment tops and scaffolding.
• Must be able to climb ladders and platforms, enter confined spaces (as needed) and wear all safety equipment.
• Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevations up to 175 feet. 
• Travel may be required as needed.