Koda Energy Clean, Renewable, Friendly

Plant Helper– Renewable Energy/Electrical Energy Generation

Description: 

This position is located at Koda Energy, LLC, in Shakopee, MN. This facility is a combined heat and power plant, using a suspension fired biomass boiler design. As the Plant Helper this individual will be responsible for cleaning all designated spaces and helping with routine and corrective maintenance items. The schedule is typically Monday through Friday 8-4:30pm but may occasionally require modified hours to help with plant needs. This position reports directly to the Power Plant Operator and the Director of Operations and Compliance.

Basic Responsibilities: 
  • Clean all designated areas. Duties will include dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and wipe downs to maintain clean areas.
  • Take initiative to develop a daily routine to make sure all assignments are carried out effectively.
  • Maintain a safe work environment by using personal protective equipment, participate in safety training, follow safety procedures and adhering to all applicable SDSs.
  • Communicate effectively to keep the Power Plant Operator informed of equipment conditions.
  • Maintain neat and accurate records, both written and electronic.
  • Complete preventative and corrective maintenance items.
  • All other duties or responsibilities as directed by Koda management.
Minimum Requirements: 
  • Ability to obtain a Special Boiler Operator’s license from the State of Minnesota
  • Ability to become proficient at operating a front-end loader and bobcat
  • Ability to use clear and concise communication to convey plant information
  • Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, blueprints, and operating procedures
  • Ability to maintain professionalism, honesty, and integrity during all aspects of job duties
  • Ability to work as a team member and as an individual
  • Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, planned and unplanned shutdowns, and vacation relief
  • Ability to work in adverse conditions such as extreme weather, at heights, and confined spaces
  • Ability to be on your feet for the majority of a 12-hour shift
  • Ability to bend, squat, and use ladders/stairs
  • Ability to receive and internalize constructive criticism and implement directives from management
  • Desire to take initiative to further plant knowledge and qualifications
Desired Skills: 
  • Experience with solid fuel combustion
  • Experience with fuel handling equipment, such as conveyors and elevators
  • Experience with material handling, such as rigging and lifting
  • Experience with Preventative Maintenance Systems
  • Experience using a front-end loader
  • Experience using a Bobcat
Salary: 
Starting at $15/hour
Benefits: 
  • 401(k) plan
  • Comprehensive health, dental, short term disability, long term disability and, AD&D
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Vacation (80 hours)

About Koda Energy

Koda Energy is an environmentally-friendly energy project and a joint venture with the 162-year old company, Rahr Malting, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Considerably cleaner than a coal plant and considered CO2 neutral, this combined heat and power plant is the only facility in the United States that burns exclusively natural, non-manmade materials. A suspension boiler design is utilized for maximum efficiency while burning these renewable products. Products burned at Koda Energy are primarily agricultural and plant seed byproducts, materials which do not deter land from use as row crops. This biomass energy generation project is able to provide energy for Koda Energy and Rahr Malting, with excess sold to Xcel Energy.

Electric power generated averages 19.7 megawatts, with net power generated at approximately 16.7 megawatts. The maximum electrical output from the generator is 24.1 megawatts. Amounts fluctuate, based largely on Rahr’s demand for heat. Rahr Malting uses the waste heat from the generation of electricity in the malting process. When the thermal energy demand is high, electrical generation is low. When the thermal energy demand is low, electrical generation is high.

Construction on Koda Energy began shortly after the Sept. 13, 2007 groundbreaking. The facility began generating electricity in March 2009 and became fully operational in late May 2009.