Maintenance Apprentice

About the role

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day.

As a Maintenance Team Member, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our operations. From entry-level tasks like stocking spare parts and assisting with basic repairs to advanced responsibilities such as troubleshooting complex systems, performing fabrication, and leading preventative maintenance programs, every level of this team contributes to keeping production running smoothly.

This is more than maintaining equipment-it's about problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Whether you're learning foundational skills or leading major projects, you'll help minimize downtime, optimize performance, and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. By leveraging your technical expertise and commitment to excellence, you'll make a direct impact on operational success and the experience we deliver to our customers.

• Employee Type: Full time
• Location: MO Excelsior Springs
• Job Type: Production Maintenance
• Job Posting Title: Maintenance Apprentice

About the role

Schedule: Monday through Friday, the schedule transitions to a 2-2-3 rotation (work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days: then the opposite the next week) once fully trained.

Hours: 6:00am to 2:30pm, Hours transition to 6:00pm to 6:30am once fully trained.

Work Location: 1000 Italian Way, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $27.50 per hour

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

What a Maintenance Team Member Does

• Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Assist with machine setup, equipment modifications, and rebuilds to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation and update records in CMMS systems.
• Follow all safety protocols and uphold GMPs and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime.

Skills a Maintenance Team Member Demonstrates

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Commitment to safety and compliance with GMPs and OSHA standards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Problem-solving ability and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies.

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Support the organization and inventory of spare parts for maintenance tasks.
• Assist in performing preventive maintenance and minor modifications on machinery such as packaging equipment and HVAC systems.
• Learn basic maintenance welding, minor fabrication, and millwright activities, such as cutting, grinding, and simple assembly.
• Assist with basic building upkeep, including plumbing, HVAC, and water treatment system tasks.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance

• Follow safety guidelines, maintain hazard-free work areas, and comply with GMPs and food safety regulations.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training

• Communicate effectively with team members to support production and learn from senior staff.
• Engage in on-the-job training to develop skills in equipment assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Support equipment monitoring, identify parts needed for repairs, and contribute to maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Gain experience in documenting maintenance activities and using the Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Train under senior mechanics to diagnose and repair basic mechanical and electrical equipment.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills

• Ability to follow verbal and written instruction as well as perform accurate math functions.
• Understands and abides by Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Good Manufacturing Principles (GMPs).
• Experience working with manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.

Safety & Compliance

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Must wear all required personal protection equipment (PPE) associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel. To include, wearing Blue Nitrile Gloves in production Zone 1 areas.
• Follows all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership

• Assumes leadership role and sets a positive example for team members.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.
• Must be dependable, reliable, and handle equipment safely and sensibly.
• Able to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays/Sundays as determined by business needs.

Physical Demands

• Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
• Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
• Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.
• Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned.
• Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.