Grader Maintenance Technician III

Job Description

Job Description

Grader Maintenance Technician III

Pay range: $27 - $34/ hour

Schedule Friday-Monday, 6:00 am - 4:00 pm

The primary responsibility of the Grader Mechanic III is the maintenance and repair of the egg grader machine and related equipment to assure its optimal performance. The Grader Mechanic III’s ultimate goal is to drive peak efficiencies in the egg washing, grading and packaging process through the fine tuning of the grader machine and its operation. The Grader Mechanic III provides leadership and direction to any Grader Mechanic I and II on their local grader mechanic team, and shares best practices with the grader mechanic teams at other Kreher Family Farms locations.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

Strategic and tactical work for which this position is accountable:

The main objective of the Grader Mechanic III’s work is to, under minimal supervision:

• Respond to Maintenance Supervisor (KFFE) and Processing Manager/Supervisor (WCE) requests for processing equipment repairs with a sense of urgency to ensure incredible service to the processing department.
• Understand role in servicing the customer through efficiency and quality in equipment repairs and maintenance to ensure smooth processing department operations.
• Strive to continually improve efficiencies and to meet or exceed efficiency metrics goals through understanding grader machine capabilities and fine tuning for maximum performance. Collaborate with processing team leadership to improve processing team SOPs and operator efficiencies.
• Work effectively with QA Technicians and USDA Grader to ensure SQF compliance.
• Visually inspect equipment to avoid problems that may cause future injury to equipment operators.
• Inspect for worn parts on equipment and order and install same.
• Install new equipment as acquired.
• Maintain a required inventory of greases and oils used in preventative maintenance.
• Attend grader technical schools as offered.
• Continually develop knowledge of equipment repairs and maintenance to ensure best practices are utilized in the processing department.
• Continually develop leadership skills, and work collaboratively with processing and QA leadership.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks on equipment, and document work completed.
• Maintain shop area and equipment used for repairs.
• Ensure personal and departmental job tasks and work orders are prioritized and completed efficiently and within the required time.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to avoid accidents.
• Maintain effective two-way communication with management and team members.
• Act as a team player; respect, support and encourage co-workers, and share knowledge with other mechanics to help troubleshoot problems.
• Show flexibility; cross train within department, move to different areas, etc. as needed (i.e. when not working in processing area, help with preventative maintenance and repairs in other areas of farm where qualified.)
• Attendance & punctuality reflect a dedicated and reliable commitment to Kreher Family Farms.
• Complies with Kreher Policies and Work Rules, and federal and state laws (attendance, etc.).
• Performs other duties as requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Capabilities and traits essential to perform satisfactorily

An individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required:

• Has an expertise in the maintenance of egg grader machinery and equipment.
• Able to trouble shoot and solve mechanical and electrical problems, and have working knowledge in multiple maintenance areas.
• Proficient with computers. Has a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Has a working knowledge of electronic controls.
• Is effective both working independently and as a member of a team.
• Has highly effective interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Has effective verbal and written communication.
• Exudes a ‘can do’, positive attitude, with a collaborative work style.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Associates Degree or trade school certification in a maintenance related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience working in maintenance of plant equipment and machinery.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with specific brand/model egg grading machine located at current Kreher Family Farm processing facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, talk, see and hear
• Stand, walk, squat and crawl
• Lift or move up to 80 pounds
• Working in confined spaces, often requiring working above shoulder level
• Vision abilities required include close vision and working at a computer monitor
• Hours may be long and irregular

COMPANY INFO

We are your local egg producer. Kreher Family Farms is a 3rd and 4th generation, family owned and operated business. With a deep-rooted history in family values since 1924, our farm continues to grow. Our farm operations have expanded to include compost and fertilizer and crop production for our hens and customers. We aren't your Grandfather's farm and we will never stop growing.

Our people are part of our farm family. Whether working in poultry care, egg processing, crop and field operations, greenhouses, distribution, compost and fertilizer, feed mill, maintenance, or our office, our people are truly our most valued resource. It is their dedication and respect for one another that allows us to continue to confidently grow as a business. We strongly believe in creating an environment in which people are able to continue to learn and grow professionally.

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as other supplemental insurances
• Paid time off (PTO)
• 401k plan (eligible to participate after 1 year of employment)
• Referral program
• FREE farm fresh eggs weekly

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Kreher Farms (“KFF”) is an equal opportunity employer. Kreher Farms prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, creed, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), reproductive health decision making, military status, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction records, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.

IND2