Maintenance Technician - 1st shift

Maintenance TechnicianThe Maintenance Technician performs routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on plant equipment and systems to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime. This role is critical for maintaining the efficiency and safety of operations.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:Conduct scheduled preventative maintenance on machinery and equipment.Inspect equipment to identify potential issues and perform necessary adjustments or repairs.Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities and equipment performance.Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic problems in processing equipment.Perform repairs to machinery, including replacing defective parts, motors, and control systems.Collaborate with production staff to address equipment malfunctions promptly.Assist in the installation and commissioning of new equipment.Implement equipment upgrades and modifications to improve performance and efficiency.Ensure all installations and modifications comply with safety and operational standards.Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work orders and maintenance logs.Prepare reports on equipment performance and maintenance needs.Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.Identify opportunities for improving equipment reliability and operational efficiency.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and suggest process enhancements.Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies.Served as a backup Refrigeration Technician (assumed all tasks of a Refrigeration Technician when needed).Other duties as assigned.Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)High school diploma or equivalent required.Technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred.Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, including troubleshooting and repair techniques.Strong knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems (e.g., ammonia, glycol, Freon), components, and safety protocols.Must understand PLC's frequency controls, direct current devices, temperature controls and transducer'sKnowledge of production equipment and processes.Knowledge of troubleshooting and repairing hydraulics and pneumatic equipment.Must have experience on high voltage AC (480v,220, 120), low control voltage AC (24V, 12V,5V), muti volts, AC/DC, muti amps AC/DCKnowledge of meat processing, safety, and quality standards.Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in a manufacturing environment.Ability to work in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel and Outlook.Ability to read, write and communicate in English with strong verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required.Physical Demands And Work EnvironmentThe 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.