Production Technician - 1st Shift

Company: Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
Location: Des Moines
Posted on: April 10, 2025

Job Description:

WHO WE ARE


This position is with Helena Industries (HI). HI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC and provides production and distribution solutions to customers across a wide variety of industries. HI is one of the largest chemical toll manufacturers in the U.S. and our clients include many household name brands and large retailers.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Production Technician performs tasks associated with the formulation and production of finished goods to meet customer and quality requirements. This position operates formulation equipment in the production operation in order to maximize the output of the production line and performs online maintenance of all production equipment.

WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE

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  Formulates raw materials into intermediate and finished product that conforms to all quality assurance standards and product and process SOP as prescribed.
  Performs system clean-outs and product changeover between production campaigns.
  Handles and labels hazardous materials in accordance with regulatory requirements and Helena policy.
  Properly packages and identifies waste in accordance with regulatory requirements and Helena policy.
  Operates forklifts, hoists and other material handling equipment in the warehouse and production area to retrieve and deliver raw materials, packaging and finished products to and from the warehouse.
  Troubleshoots all line and formulation equipment.
  Performs online and preventive maintenance of department equipment.
  Moves operating, formulation and packaging equipment as directed.
  Completes all production batch sheets, OPM production entry and QA processes and procedures in a timely and accurate manner.
  Must be able to comply with all specified QA control methods and documentation.
  Develops a run plan using the processor manuals.
  Utilizes the run plan in training team members prior to a campaign.
  Performs QA tests including pH, density, emulsion, Karl Fisher, particle size, wet screen, dry screen and viscosity.
  May be responsible for leading members of the production line or production crew.
  Loads/unloads trucks received at dock as needed and completes related reports.
  
• Performs work in a safe and responsible manner at all times.
  
• Maintains a clean work environment both inside and outside the facility by using good housekeeping habits.
  
• May be required to drive a company vehicle.
  
• Provides excellent customer service to all internal and external customers.
  
• Other work-related duties as assigned by your leader.
  
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
  
• Follows all company policies and procedures.
  
  
  EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  
  
  
  High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  Two years of production and manufacturing experience is required.
  One year of formulating experience is required.
  One year of forklift experience is required.
  
  
  SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  
  

  
  Understands pneumatics, pressure and the pumping of liquids is required.
  Knowledge of pumps and valves.
  Forklift Driver Certification.
  Lift truck operator certification is preferred.
  Uses computer for data entry into Oracle and Microsoft applications.
  Reading, writing and math skills.
  Mechanical aptitude.
  Required to complete production technician training program.
  Available to work rotating shifts, overtime and weekends as scheduled.
  Ability to stand for long periods of time in extreme hot and/or cold temperatures.
  Must be capable of passing an OSHA respirator physical.
  Valid U.S. driver's license is required to drive a company vehicle.
  Applicants for positions requiring operation of a moving vehicle or interaction with heavy equipment must meet the legal age requirement.
  Ability to read, write and speak in English is required.
  Communicating in Spanish is a valuable skill at Helena.
  
  
  Successful completion of a drug test and background check is required for all positions at Helena.
  
  WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB
  
  At Helena, safety is our highest priority. We seek out extensive safety measures and put them in place to minimize exposure to anything that could be potentially harmful to our employees.
  
  The work environment for this position is that of a typical plant environment where the noise level is usually moderate to loud. In this position, you will regularly work near moving equipment/mechanical parts and could be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemical and biological hazards, vibrations and a risk of electrical shock.
  
  This position requires you to use your hands for many different tasks and to talk, hear, walk, sit, stand, (8 hours a day or more), lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling (up to and including 50lbs or more), reaching overhead (up to and including 25lbs), climbing, gripping, grasping and twisting using hands and wrists, bending and stooping for long periods of time, working below knee levels for short periods of time and working above shoulder level for short periods.
  
  BENEFITS AT HELENA
  
  

  • 
    
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance STARTS THE SAME DAY YOU DO!
    
  • Earn up to $3,000 in Reward Dollars from Helena for your Health Savings Account (HSA).
    
  • Helena's robust 401(k) Savings Plan offers you a 100% company-match up to 5% starting on your first day. As your years of service with Helena increase, so does our company-match - up to 10% based on your contribution amount.
    
  • Three-year vesting on company match with 1,000 hours of service.
    
  • Access your earned pay between paydays through Earned Wage Access (EWA) with DailyPay and Wisely.
    
  • Up to 15 days paid time-off plus 9 paid holidays.
    
  • Free Term Life Insurance at 1x your annual base pay - paid for by Helena at no cost to you.
    
  • Free Short & Long-Term Disability.
    
  • Up to 80 hours of paid Parental Leave.
    
  • Education Assistance.
    
  • And much more!
    
    
    For more detailed information about our benefits, visit helenacareers.com/benefits.
    
    
    STAY CONNECTED TO THE HELENA POWERHOUSE!
    
    Follow us on social @HelenaCareers or visit our Careers website at helenacareers.com.
    
    Helena supports individuals with disabilities, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Helena is an equal opportunity employer.
    

Keywords: Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, Ames , Production Technician - 1st Shift, Professions , Des Moines, Iowa