Lead Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Lead Maintenance Technician plays a critical hands-on role in the maintenance department and is

accountable not only for their own work but also for the performance, direction, and results of all

maintenance technicians on their shift. He/she ensures all equipment, systems, and facilities are

functioning optimally through effective troubleshooting, preventive and predictive maintenance, team

coordination, and quality assurance. He/she is expected to maintain high standards of work, spot-check

and correct technician repairs, identify stop-the-line scenarios to prevent contamination, and ensure

documentation is completed accurately. This role is also responsible for training others, assigning tasks

based on priority, and following up on all maintenance activity to support a safe and productive plant

operation.

The Lead will oversee and monitor critical systems such as the boiler in the Tulare facility and will be

expected to train others on its operation and maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform equipment start-ups, shutdowns, cleaning, and repairs.

• Conduct routine and corrective maintenance across all plant systems.

• Perform basic building maintenance tasks including plumbing and electrical repairs.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues to reduce downtime and ensure efficient operation.

• Support root cause analysis for CCP and non-CCP equipment failures.

• Monitor production parameters (flow, pressure, temperature, etc.) and make necessary

adjustments.

• Complete accurate and timely documentation of all maintenance work.

• Communicate effectively across departments and organizational levels.

• Collaborate with sanitation for equipment disassembly and reassembly as needed.

• Maintain a clean and organized maintenance shop and work environment.

• Support other technicians with line maintenance, upgrades, and urgent repairs.

• Identify and communicate any contamination risk or stop-the-line event immediately.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job.

• Follow all company safety protocols.

• Other duties as assigned by management.

Lead Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the overall performance and task completion of the entire maintenance shift.

• Review, assign, and follow up on daily work orders and tasks.

• Ensure repairs are completed correctly, efficiently, and to company standards.

• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship for all maintenance technicians.

• Lead shift meetings and provide clear pass-downs to other leads or supervisors.

• Prioritize maintenance tasks and delegate responsibilities based on urgency and production needs.

• Monitor the condition and readiness of tools and equipment used by the team.

• Work closely with the Inventory Coordinator to maintain stock of essential parts.

• Coordinate with third-party vendors and contractors as needed for specialized services or projects.

• Oversee and support the execution of PMs and internal audit corrective actions.

• Identify and correct safety hazards and promote a strong safety culture.

• Escalate any major downtime or unresolved issues to the Maintenance Supervisor or Manager.

• Enforce compliance with food safety and employee safety policies.

• Serve as the communication bridge between management and technicians.

• Ensure all paperwork, logs, and records are properly completed and filed.

• Partners with safety to promote a positive safety culture.

• Oversees the daily workflow of the department and communicates with management.

Skill and Ability Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

• Skilled in reading and interpreting blueprints and maintenance manuals.

• Proficient with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and hazard identification.

• Ability to lead, train, and mentor team members effectively.

• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities.

• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Capable of prioritizing multiple tasks and making quick decisions under pressure.

• Competent in using email and radio communications.

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Qualifications and Certifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• Minimum of 3 years of industrial maintenance experience.

• 2–3 years of experience with equipment such as bucket elevators, chain-vey conveyors, bin

dumps, pasteurizers, roasters, and color sorters preferred.

• Familiarity with boiler systems is preferred; ability to train others on boiler operations is

required.

Essential Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Please refer to attached Essential Physical Requirements and Work Environment Chart for specifications

describing physical demands that are representative of what must be met to successfully perform the

essential functions of this job, as well as the work environment characteristics the job holder will

encounter. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the

essential functions of the job.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities,

duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and

activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Commitment to Diversity: As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the

needs of a multi-generational and multicultural workforce, Key Staffing recognizes that a diverse

staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical

business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin,

gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms

both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.