Maintenance Technician

Maintenance AssistantIndustry: Food & BeverageLocation: Richmond, VirginiaPosition Type: Full-TimeFirst shift work in climate-controlled environmentCompany Overview:Red River Foods Group, Inc. is a leading, multinational food supplier specializing in nuts, seeds, dried fruits and specialty snacks. We take great pride in the quality and value of our products and in conducting our business with the highest degree of integrity.Our new processing facility specializes in the warehousing, pasteurizing, roasting, and distributing of imported food goods. We are looking for a qualified individual to assist with maintenance of the facility equipment.The Maintenance Assistant supports the Maintenance Manager with low level mechanical troubleshooting, basic repairs, and general facility duties in a facility that handles imported tree nuts and dried fruits. This includes cleaning, pasteurization, roasting, and packaging operations. This role follows all safety, food safety, and environmental protocols.The Maintenance Assistant will report to the Maintenance Manager while collaborating with all departments.Maintenance and Technical OperationsAssist the Maintenance Manager with low level mechanical troubleshooting and repairs on processing equipment including pasteurizers, roasters, conveyors, and packaging lines.Perform basic service tasks on mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems under the direction of the Maintenance Manager.Follow SOPs and support preventative maintenance schedules.Operate a scissor lift, reacher lift, and forklift (certification provided) to support maintenance tasks.Assist with general maintenance tasks in warehouse and processing facility.Safety and ComplianceFollow fire safety, workmen safety, and facility safety protocols.Follow all GMP, food safety, and allergen control protocols, including FDA, FSMA, GFSI, and HACCP standards.Facility Support and UpkeepHelp with machine cleaning, restocking, handyman duties, and general upkeep during downtime.Maintain organized storage of tools, parts, and supplies.Information and CommunicationDocument completed maintenance tasks and report equipment issues to the Maintenance Manager.Communicate clearly with QA, production, and other departments.Knowledge and RelationshipsLearn equipment operation and maintenance practices from the Maintenance Manager.Build collaborative relationships across teams.Cross-Functional SupportProvide occasional off shift or weekend support as maintenance needs arise.Support sanitation efforts during equipment disassembly/reassembly.Assist in other areas of the facility as necessary or neededRequired Qualifications of the Maintenance Assistant:1 to 2 years of hands on maintenance, mechanical, or trades experience preferredBasic knowledge of tools, mechanical systems, and electrical components and theoryUnderstanding of boiler operation and pneumatic systems preferredAbility to operate a scissor lift and reacher lift, and ability to obtain forklift certificationWillingness to be trained in lockout/tagout (LOTO) proceduresWillingness to follow all GMP, food safety, and allergen control protocolsAbility to read, understand, and communicate safety and work instructions in EnglishAvailability for occasional off shift or weekend work as maintenance needs ariseHigh school diploma or GED preferredValid driver's license preferredNo nut allergy due to the nature of our productsPhysical Requirements & Work Environment:Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to sit. Frequently must squat, stoop, or kneel, reach above the head and reach forward. Daily uses hand strength to grasp tools, supplies and equipment. Regularly climbs ladders and works at heights. Frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Ability to withstand cold storage temperatures for extended periods of time (warm gear provided). Noise levels will vary at time and will be loud in some areas (hearing protection will be provided when needed).