Maintenance Mechanic - 1st shift

Maintenance Mechanic

The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for ensuring the proper operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical equipment and systems within the meat processing plant. This role requires troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs to minimize downtime and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance on plant equipment, including conveyors, grinders, slicers, packaging machines, refrigeration units, and other food processing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues to minimize production downtime.
• Inspect, diagnose, and replace defective parts in machinery to maintain efficiency and productivity.
• Conduct regular maintenance on refrigeration and HVAC systems to ensure proper temperature control and food safety.
• Adhere to safety protocols and regulatory requirements, including OSHA, USDA, and FDA guidelines.
• Assist with equipment installation, upgrades, and modifications as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work orders, repairs, and parts inventory.
• Collaborate with production and quality assurance teams to identify and resolve equipment-related issues affecting product quality.
• Train and support production employees in proper equipment use and minor troubleshooting techniques.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of maintenance experience in a food manufacturing or meat processing environment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with electrical systems, PLCs, and automated machinery is a plus.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and work in a cold or humid environment.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to perform physical activities that involve moving one's whole body, such as crawling, squatting, kneeling, turning, twisting, using both hands, reaching, and stretching to perform necessary repairs and installations and lifting from 70 pounds or more (unassisted). May frequently need to bend, stoop, crouch, or climb to access machinery or equipment located at different heights or in confined spaces. The employee must be able to walk and stand for a significant amount of time on even concrete surfaces, which may at times be slippery due to marinades, water, and other liquids associated with the production process.

Due to noise levels in the work environment, the use of hearing protection is required. Precise vision is required for this position to perform detailed visual inspections and repairs of equipment and machinery, and to identify electrical color codes or safety labels. The employee will be working in a climate-controlled environment of -40ºF to -45ºF and may be exposed to heat working around hot machinery or ovens. Employee may be exposed to strong odors such as raw meat and marinades from seasoned meat.

While in the production area, employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include hair and beard nets, rubber soled shoes, smocks, hearing protection and hard hats.