Koda Energy Clean, Renewable, Friendly

Plant Truck Driver– 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 Truck Driver, this individual will be responsible for operating one of the plant’s commercial vehicles to haul biomass fuels and other materials into and out of Koda Energy. The position involves rotating shift work with varying schedules and reports directly to the Power Plant Operator, the Chief Engineer, or the VP of Supply Chain.

Basic Responsibilities: 
  • Haul biomass fuels with one of the plant trucks, and deliver the fuel into the Koda fuel receiving building.
  • Operate and maintain the plant truck in a safe and efficient manner, and notify maintenance and management of any discovered mechanical deficiencies on the trucks and trailers.
  • Maintain a safe work environment by using personal protective equipment, participate in safety training, follow safety procedures, and adhering to all applicable MSDSs
  • Enter data into log sheets and log books as provided and requested by Koda management.
  • Maintain a clean driving record, and comply with all laws and DOT guidelines when operating plant equipment.
  • Communicate effectively to keep the Power Plant Operator informed of equipment conditions and pertinent fuel inventory conditions.
  • Maintain neat and accurate records, both written and electronic.
  • Complete preventative and corrective maintenance items as prescribed by Koda management.
  • Maintain a clean work area by following good housekeeping practices.
  • Train and become proficient in other plant positions at the direction of management.
  • All other duties or responsibilities as directed by Koda management.
Minimum Requirements: 
  • 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 the 12-hour shift when necessary
  • 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
  • Must hold a Class “A” commercial driver’s license

 

Desired Skills: 
  • Experience with self-unloading trailers, tankers, and combinations
  • 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 with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
  • Experience using heavy wheeled equipment, such as skid steers and wheel loaders
  • Ability to obtain a Special Boiler Operator’s license from the State of Minnesota
Salary: 
Salary of $27.00/hour to start. Additionally, there will be $1000 training bonus that will be issued with the first Rahr check.
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.