Maintenance Technician - Blue Buffalo

Maintenance Technician

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

Located in historic Joplin, at our Joplin Pet manufacturing site we produce Blue Buffalo dog food, Sizzlers, Stix, Bits, Blue Bones and Wilderness Wild Bones dog treats. We foster a culture where we want our employees to be excited to come to work. We have a variety of committees at our plant to engage and connect our employees. Our Blue Rah committee hosts events throughout the year, as well as events for employees and their families. We also partner with our local humane society for different events and volunteer work.

$27.50 per hour starting pay

Maintenance Tech I: $27.50 per hour

Maintenance Tech II: $28.50 per hour or higher (internal pay advancement opportunities)

Maintenance Tech III: $29.50 per hour or higher (internal pay advancement opportunities)

$1.00 per hour additional for hours worked between 7 pm and 7 am

Up to 120 hours (10 days) vacation annually

11 paid company holidays

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, life insurance

Career growth and cross-training opportunities

12-hour shifts

Day Shift: 6:45 am – 7:00 pm

Night Shift: 6:45 pm – 7:00 am

Currently hiring for Night Shift only

12-hour schedule: Work repeating 3 nights on, 2 nights off, 2 nights on, 3 nights off schedule

Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, nights, holidays and emergency events

Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

As part of our manufacturing team, you will:

• Responsible for preventative and reactive maintenance of processing and packaging equipment and providing technical support to improve and optimize within the manufacturing operations and processes.
• Supporting, creating, integration, troubleshooting and improving a variety of processing/packaging controls systems including Wonderware, ArchestrA Systems, PLC
• Reading and updating electrical and control schematics, piping and instrumentation diagrams
• Providing technical support/skills for equipment troubleshooting and controls/equipment modifications
• Understanding, initiating, and participating in Root Cause Analysis (Why, Why)
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
• Assist in training new employees

High school diploma or GED

Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts

Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)

Minimum 3 years of industrial maintenance or related industry experience

Basic mechanical knowledge and understanding of PLC operation, electrical motors, gearboxes and components along with systems troubleshooting, including use of multimeter and specialized tools

Basic shop equipment (mill, lathe, grinder, presses, etc.) preferred

Experience in repairing and troubleshooting AC/DC electrical systems, reading schematics and using electrical testing equipment strongly preferred

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods

Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions

Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms

Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards

Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)

Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.