Maintenance Mechanic

PET Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products under well-known regional brands, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, and dairy ingredients.

About the role

The Plant Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for the care and maintenance of all property and production assets in a safe, sanitary, and efficient condition. This position ensures the continued operation of machinery and equipment in electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, pneumatic, and hydraulic capacities by completing planned and unplanned maintenance requirements on production, packaging, processing equipment, and utility systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing maintenance requirements (both planned and unplanned) on production, packaging, processing equipment, and utility systems to provide a continuous supply of heat, steam, cooling, electrical power, gas, or air required for operations.
• Respond to emergency repairs in breakdown situations.
• Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, electrical schematics, service manuals, and work orders to perform required maintenance and service.
• Perform preventative maintenance, including conducting computerized preventative maintenance check-ups or reading SPC charts and data.
• Maintain and support line manufacturing systems such as ozone generation, line/lube delivery, chemical delivery, ingredient delivery, and PH house.
• Complete work orders in a timely manner while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools, electric meters, and material handling equipment in performing duties.
• Maintain communication with other departments, management, and employees regarding any problems or concerns that may restrict production efficiency.
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out clearly, legibly, and accurately, with required information documented in accordance with SOPs.
• Assist in maintaining parts and supplies inventory by reporting low supply levels to supervisors.
• Utilize a continuous improvement mindset to identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
• Adhere to all required work-safe practices, including lockout-tagout, wearing PPE, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, and fall restraints.
• Responsible for food safety, prerequisite programs, and food quality in the designated area; report any related issues to management immediately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Must pass all pre-employment screenings, including drug, background, and criminal checks.
• Minimum one year of experience in a maintenance role within a manufacturing facility, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
• Minimum one year of experience with one or more technical areas: electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, computer-controlled equipment, PLC, and/or HVAC.
• Minimum one year of experience with a variety of equipment, including lubricating, cleaning, material handling, motor control, relay control, process control, and packaging equipment.
• Professional experience with ammonia refrigeration systems preferred.
• Ability to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems, and independently take corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment downtime.
• Must be able to perform basic arithmetic: add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Must be able to handle basic hand tools.
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for virtually the entire shift; occasionally required to climb or balance.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to work in a cold, wet environment with moderate to high noise volume.
• May experience exposure to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, or allergens.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Pay

$32 per hour

Schedule

3rd Shift: Sunday - Thursday, 11:00 PM - 7:30 AM, with Saturdays every 3 weeks.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company contribution
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities (promote from within)
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Uniforms provided
• Work for dairy farm families