Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice (SCC Partnership--North Mankato/Sleepy Eye)

Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice

Join the team that's feeding the world. Christensen Farms is one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. We're headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and operate throughout the Midwest with nearly 1,000 employees and more than 1,500 contract partnerships.

Learn while you earn start your skilled trades journey. If you're passionate about fixing things, want to work with your hands, and are ready to build a future in a growing industry, this is your entry point. As a Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice, you'll learn on the job, receive paid classroom training, and be mentored by seasoned technicians in the field.

Position overview and responsibilities. In this learning-focused role, you'll perform basic repairs, support general maintenance work, and begin mastering the fundamentals of the trade under the direct supervision of senior technicians. Subject to change but we anticipate 3 days of class work and 2 full days of work.

Major areas of accountability:

• Perform entry-level repairs and assist on job sites
• Support basic carpentry, plumbing, and equipment handling
• Participate in seasonal equipment prep and storage
• Follow detailed directions to execute farm maintenance tasks
• Assist with general labor for project crews

Education, training, and experience requirements:

• No experience required
• Must be enrolled in SCC program with paid classroom instruction
• Register with MN Dept. of Labor as an Unregistered Electrical Worker within 1 month of hire
• Must complete OSHA 10 and NFPA70E within 6 months

After successful completion of year one, apprentices will transition into Tech I upon meeting training and performance milestones.

Core competencies:

• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Reliability and strong work ethic
• Curiosity about mechanical and electrical systems
• Ability to work safely in physical/agricultural environments
• Team player with a positive attitude

Tools & equipment: Basic power and hand tools (under supervision), torch welder, grinders, saws, etc.

Physical & environmental requirements:

• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, climbing
• Work in outdoor and indoor farm environments, around livestock

What we offer:

• Structured development path with built-in growth opportunities
• A collaborative team and supportive leadership
• Training, mentorship, and a clear future in skilled trades
• Opportunity to support the agriculture industry in a meaningful, hands-on way
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, a flexible spending account (FSA), life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid time off bank, an employee assistance program (EAP), and more.

Reports to Maintenance & Reliability Branch Manager; receives task assignments from senior technicians under their direction.

Christensen Farms promotes a culture of inclusion and strives to attract a diverse set of candidates for each of our open positions. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and proud to offer employment and growth opportunities to all candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.