Machinist

U.S. Sugar is one of the nation’s largest fully integrated producers of sugarcane, a leading provider of fresh vegetables and citrus products, and a regional short-line railroad operator. Headquartered in Clewiston, Florida, the company farms more than 200,000 acres and employs approximately 3,000 people, including many high-skilled, high-wage jobs in automated environments. The company produces 650,000–700,000 tons of cane sugar annually, supplying nearly 8% of the nation’s sugar production.

About the role

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, this is a day-shift position with periodic overtime requirements, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You will work independently or in a team to safely and efficiently fabricate, install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair cane processing equipment. You will also assist with planned and preventative maintenance as required.

Responsibilities

• Abide by all Company policies outlined in the Employee Handbook and comply with all Company, Local, State, and Federal regulations relating to Health, Safety, Operations, etc.
• Successfully participate in and complete all training sessions, safety classes, pre-shift meetings, and/or certifications related to the position.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, including the use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Perform routine safety checks on equipment prior to start and maintain all records pertinent to the job.
• Perform or assist in maintenance and repairs as needed throughout the Mill.
• Calculate dimensions or tolerances using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
• Machine parts to specifications using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
• Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
• Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.

Requirements

• Must have positive results from Company-designated tests designed to measure basic skills, job skills, mechanical aptitude, and/or other interests, skills, and characteristics.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a good work record and disciplinary history.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language to comprehend instructions on the job, over the radio, and in the classroom, and to ensure personal and co-worker safety on the work site.
• Demonstrate the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job; must be in good health and physically able to perform all phases of the work.
• New hires must pass a drug test and other pre-employment background screening and successfully complete any required training or orientation course.
• Minimum of three years’ experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial equipment such as hydraulic systems, turbines, pumps, gearboxes, and conveyors.
• In-depth knowledge of lathes, drill presses, milling machines, key cutters, and various machine shop equipment.
• Capable of working with an overhead crane and other lifting devices, including proper rigging procedures; must become crane certified within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and measurements pertaining to the job.
• Ability to read blueprints and layout work.
• Basic knowledge of machinist tools, metals, and their properties.

Working Conditions

• 90% of the work environment is conducted in a covered area, exposed to heights and rapidly changing temperatures, including extreme heat, weather conditions, blowing dust and particles, loud noise, and limited visibility while wearing PPE (e.g., hard hat, goggles, and ear plugs).
• Regularly involves climbing stairs or ladders, kneeling, crawling, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching overhead, standing for long periods, and walking on uneven ground containing slip and trip hazards.
• Routine lifting, loading, pushing, and/or pulling of up to 55 lbs. unassisted.
• 10% of the work environment involves exposure to caustic chemicals, electronic magnets, and pressurized steam.
• Routine use of heavy equipment and machinery with moving parts.
• Occasional access to enclosed/confined spaces using lock-out/tag-out practices and artificial light.
• Working around wet or dripping, moving machinery with sharp edges, reaching above the head while crouching, standing, or laying prone to spot weld or provide maintenance.

Benefits

Employees are our most valuable asset. We reward them with challenging work, opportunities to learn and grow, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package. Many employees have an ownership stake in our privately held business through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Safety is our top priority, and we foster a supportive work environment.