One of Iowa’s largest contiguous farms, the Amana Farms is made up of 26,000 acres with award-winning crop fields, a 2,000 cow/calf herd, a 4,000 head cattle feedlot, an anaerobic digester, and Iowa’s largest privately held forest.

Job Summary

The Digester Associate's primary responsibility is to maintain the 1.6 million gallon anaerobic digester operation in West Amana, ensuring it is running at peak efficiency. The operation includes the digester vessel, mixing pit, generator building, electronic metering, liquid substrate building, dry substrate storage, manure pit and covered feeder cattle building.

This position communicates any operational challenges to the Digester Manager, and must be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure entire process, from input collection to electrical production and byproduct disposal, is operating a peak efficiency.
• Perform diagnostics, routine maintenance and necessary repairs on all aspects of the anaerobic digester facility.
• Ensure the proper ratio of inputs for smooth operation and nutrient balance in byproduct.
• Maintain cleanliness of facilities, including scraper alleyways, ends of alleyways, cross-cutter, monoslope manure pit, tank building, maintenance shop and engine room.
• Operate and maintain equipment at digester site, including the drive units of scrapers, all pumpers, mixers, tanks and engines.
• Assist in prioritizing maintenance and repairs to ensure that at least three of four engines are running at all times.
• Maintain inventory of oil and other products needed for regular repairs.
• Assist in tracking potential byproduct and ensure it is moving smoothly through the pipeline.
• Coordinate with entities outside the Amana Farms staff as needed for specialized repairs.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment throughout the operation.
• Assist in the maintenance of accurate service and maintenance records
• Supports the Amana Farms Feedlot as needed.
• Assists other Amana Farms departments as directed.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure peak operation of digester facility.

Requirements

• Experience in working with mechanics including combustion engines
• Punctual, reliable with a strong work ethic
• Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment
• Proven mechanical/electrical experience and relevant skills
• Ability to make critical decisions under pressure, specifically during periods of peak operations
• Must be physically capable of performing maintenance on equipment and machinery, working long hours seasonally and operating equipment/machinery.
• This is a full time position and may or may not be limited to 50 hours per week. Evening and weekend work is required as job duties demand.
• Positive attitude and the ability to follow the Core Values of Amana Farms (attached)

Work Environment

· Work is performed at the West Amana Digester Operation and Feedlot.

· May work with a variety of machinery, hand tools and outdoors in adverse weather conditions on and around equipment and machinery.

· This position involves lifting, bending, walking eight or more hours a day; tasks may involve crawling, stooping and performing maintenance in confined spaces.

· This position is not eligible for remote work.

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 50.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Safety equipment provided
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable working outdoors, as needed, in all seasons?

Experience:

• Mechanical troubleshooting: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Amana, IA 52203 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person