Senior Maintenance Mechanic

Position Information Position Title: Senior Maintenance Mechanic Department: Maintenance Works With: Maintenance Coordinator Location: Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers, 896 O’Banion Rd. Yuba City, CA FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly) Position Summary The Senior Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing processing, pasteurization, sorting, and utility systems within a walnut processing facility. This role supports safe, continuous, and compliant plant operations, including food safety‑critical and validated Log 5 lethality equipment. The position works closely with Maintenance, Production, and FSQA to minimize downtime, protect validated processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. This is a senior‑level mechanic role requiring strong mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic troubleshooting skills and independent judgment. The mechanic must provide their own tools and equipment customarily required by the trade. Essential Functions Processing & Utility Equipment Maintenance Maintain and repair walnut shellers, sorting lines, sizing equipment, conveyors, elevators, and related infrastructure. Maintain laser and optical sorting equipment to ensure accurate defect detection and separation. Support operation and maintenance of boilers in coordination with licensed operators. Maintain reverse osmosis (RO) water systems, including membranes, filters, pumps, and controls. Maintain pasteurization systems and associated thermal components, controls, and monitoring instrumentation. Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Reliability Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on processing and utility systems. Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement corrective repairs. Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend long‑term solutions. Support validated Log 5 lethality processes by ensuring equipment reliability. Food Safety, Safety & Compliance Perform work in compliance with GMPs, HACCP, FSMA Preventive Controls, and validated Log 5 requirements. Follow Cal/OSHA safety standards including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work permits, and PPE requirements. Immediately elevate conditions that may impact food safety or regulatory compliance. Documentation & Communication Maintain accurate maintenance logs and repair documentation. Utilize and support the facility Red Tag Program. Communicate equipment status and downtime risks to Maintenance Coordinator, Production, and FSQA. Assist in SOP and Work Instruction creation for safe operation of equipment. Assist with implementation of PM program and be proficient in Microsoft Office. Perform routine inspection, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of ammonia refrigeration and cold storage systems. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not have direct reports but may provide technical guidance to junior maintenance personnel or temporary staff. Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. 5+ years of industrial, agricultural, or food processing maintenance experience required. Experience supporting food safety‑critical or validated process equipment required. Experience in nut processing or a similar agricultural processing environment preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills. Working knowledge of boilers, RO systems, and food processing equipment. Ability to read technical manuals, electrical schematics, and process documentation. Ability to observe details at close range. Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently. Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced production environment. Certifications / Licenses Boiler Operator Certification preferred or willingness to obtain. Bilingual Requirements English required; Spanish proficiency preferred. Physical Demands Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing ladders. Constantly uses tools for extended periods. Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated areas. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in a walnut processing facility and may include outdoor weather. Conditions may include exposure to dust, noise, moving mechanical parts, temperature variations (including cold storage areas), and wet environments. Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Safety and Compliance Employees must comply with all company safety policies and procedures, including applicable Cal/OSHA regulations, food safety programs (GMP, HACCP, FSMA), and safe operation of equipment. Reasonable Accommodation The company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable federal and California law. Disclaimer This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Employment remains at‑will. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers, LLC