Farm Maintenance

Maintenance Technician I

The Maintenance Technician I is responsible for performing routine maintenance, repairs, and preventive maintenance on equipment, facilities, and utility systems to support poultry breeding operations. This position helps ensure equipment reliability, employee safety, animal welfare, and compliance with company biosecurity and regulatory standards. The Maintenance Technician I works under the direction of experienced maintenance personnel while developing technical skills in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and facility maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine preventive maintenance on equipment, buildings, and facility systems.
• Inspect equipment and identify maintenance needs before failures occur.
• Assist with troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and plumbing issues.
• Repair or replace worn or damaged components using appropriate tools and procedures.
• Maintain ventilation, heating, cooling, watering, and feeding systems to support optimal bird health and welfare.
• Respond promptly to maintenance requests and equipment breakdowns.
• Complete assigned work orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and document repairs performed.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, welders, ladders, lifts, and other maintenance equipment safely.
• Keep maintenance areas clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards.
• Follow all company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Adhere to all biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission.
• Support emergency repairs and may participate in an on-call rotation as required.
• Assist with facility improvement projects and equipment installations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical or vocational training in industrial maintenance, electrical, HVAC, mechanical systems, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Zero to two (02) years of maintenance experience in agricultural, manufacturing, industrial, or commercial environments preferred.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems is desirable.
• Experience operating maintenance tools and equipment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to read basic technical manuals, work instructions, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with team members.
• Willingness to learn new maintenance techniques and equipment.
• Basic computer skills for work order and maintenance management systems.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and reach.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly and greater weights with assistance.
• Work from ladders, elevated platforms, and confined spaces when necessary.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in poultry breeder houses, maintenance shops, warehouses, and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to dust, feathers, noise, odors, moisture, cleaning chemicals, and agricultural environments.
• May work around live poultry.
• Must comply with all biosecurity, sanitation, and animal welfare requirements.
• Overtime, weekend, holiday, and emergency response work may be required based on operational needs.

Competencies

• Safety Focus
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Continuous Learning
• Customer Service
• Adaptability
• Integrity

Work Conditions

Benefits: Aviagen provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the healthcare and financial well-being of our employees. Aviagen offers medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of Plan documents. Additionally, you will be eligible for company observed paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on your hire date.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.