Maintenance Technician I

Job Summary

The Maintenance Technician I is an entry-level, multi-craft maintenance position supporting the safe and reliable operation of Circle U Foods production equipment and facility systems. This role develops foundational technical skills through routine preventive maintenance, inspections, basic facility tasks, and assistance with repairs under the guidance of the Maintenance Manager or more experienced technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform assigned preventive maintenance, equipment inspections, cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, and routine facility maintenance according to established procedures.
• Inspect production equipment and facility systems; identify wear, damage, leaks, abnormal operation, and potential failures and report findings promptly.
• Assist with maintenance and repair of conveyors, motors, bearings, belts, chains, sprockets, scales, packaging equipment, and other plant machinery within demonstrated competency.
• Perform basic non-licensed facility maintenance, including lighting, plumbing, fixtures, carpentry, HVAC filter changes, and general building upkeep within authorization.
• Use hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and basic meters safely; follow applicable equipment isolation and lockout/tagout procedures and never work beyond training or authorization.
• Respond to production and facility maintenance requests, communicate equipment status and handoffs, and escalate unsafe conditions or work beyond current qualifications.
• Accurately complete work orders, preventive maintenance checklists, service reports, and maintenance records in the designated system; assist with parts and tool inventory.
• Maintain organized workspaces and coordinate with Production, Quality, Sanitation, and other departments to protect product and equipment during maintenance.
• Complete routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs independently only after competency has been demonstrated and authorization has been given.
• Assist more experienced technicians during troubleshooting, corrective repairs, equipment setup, and installations; learn mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic fundamentals.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to safely use common hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow written work instructions, safety procedures, and basic maintenance documentation.
• Basic familiarity with meters and willingness to develop mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubleshooting skills.
• High school diploma or GED preferred; technical coursework is a plus.
• Approximately 0-2 years of maintenance or related hands-on experience preferred; equivalent practical aptitude considered.
• Willingness to complete required safety, food manufacturing, and technical training.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, twist, reach, kneel, crouch, and crawl while working around operating equipment and facility systems.
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds, with assistance or mechanical aids as appropriate.
• Use ladders and work at heights, including elevated or rooftop locations, only when trained, equipped, and authorized; ladder work may involve heights up to 20 feet.
• Work in an active food manufacturing facility with moving machinery, noise, temperature variations, and required personal protective equipment.
• Typically work a weekday schedule of approximately 40 hours, with occasional overtime or off-hours response based on operational needs.
• Use forklifts, lifts, or other powered equipment only when job duties require it and applicable training, certification/evaluation, and company authorization have been completed.

Other Duties

• Follow food safety and quality protocols.
• Follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), housekeeping and safe work practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Circle U Foods offers a benefits package that includes:
• Company paid employee-only health (HMO), dental, vision, and life insurance. A PPO health plan is offered with a cost share.
• Voluntary insurance plans for short-term disability coverage, Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness.
• Additional voluntary life insurance policy available
• Accrued Paid Time Off: 0-5 years, 2 weeks; 5-10 years, 3 weeks; 10+ years 4 weeks