Maintenance Technician

Daisy Brand

Boone, IA

Pay: $32+/hr

**Position Summary**

Daisy Brand, a fifth-generation family-owned dairy company and the maker of America’s favorite sour cream and cottage cheese, is opening a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Boone, Iowa. As a member of the start-up team, you will complete paid, structured training at our established plants nationwide, work side by side with Engineering during installation and commissioning, and step into the new facility on day one already knowing it better than anyone.

Maintenance Technicians are responsible for the efficient and safe operation of all areas of the plant – processing, packaging, warehouse, and the utilities that support them – and collaborate daily with Engineering and Operations.

The ideal candidate will be well rounded in electrical, mechanical, and controls. The Technician will be responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining highly technical and automated equipment to include fillers, case packers, and palletizers, also to include process systems, ammonia refrigeration equipment, high-pressure boilers, air compressors, and other building utilities.

**Plant Start-Up Expectations**

Starting up a new plant is demanding and rewarding, and we believe in being transparent about what this role requires. Hiring will occur in phases, and expectations differ by phase.

• **Start-Up Crew:** As part of the start-up crew, you will train hands-on at our established plants – approximately two or more weeks of company-paid travel per month during the first twelve months.
• **Plant Opening Team:** Candidates unable to travel as part of the start-up crew may still be considered for offers with a later start date, joining as the plant opens with minimal to no travel required.

During the plant start-up period, your schedule will vary based on training and commissioning needs, including travel as outlined above. Upon the facility reaching normal operations, your schedule is expected to transition to your long-term agreed upon schedule. All travel, overtime, and schedule expectations for training and long-term will be confirmed in writing in any offer letters. Daisy Brand will communicate schedule changes as far in advance as possible.

The start-up period offers significant overtime earning potential. Once the plant reaches steady-state operation, the team averages 45 hours per week with a focus on work-life balance.

**Travel Expectations**

To support the successful startup of a new manufacturing facility, this position requires some travel for training, knowledge transfer, and operational readiness activities. The selected candidate must be willing and able to travel periodically as needed prior to plant startup. Travel may include extended stays to receive hands-on training, participate in equipment commissioning activities, and teach plant processes and procedures. Weekend travel and work may be required based on training schedules, project timelines, and business needs. Employees will be expected to maintain a flexible schedule throughout the startup and training period. Business travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals, will be paid for or reimbursed in accordance with Daisy Brand's travel and expense reimbursement policies. This temporary travel commitment is critical to ensuring employees are fully prepared to support safe and successful plant operations.

**Key Responsibilities**

• Troubleshoot and maintain highly technical and automated equipment, including fillers, case packers, palletizers, and conveyors.
• Maintain process systems and building utilities, including ammonia refrigeration equipment, high-pressure boilers, air compressors, and wastewater systems.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and vertical start-up of the new facility in partnership with Engineering.
• Collaborate and problem-solve daily with Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations.
• Follow Daisy Brand food safety and quality protocols, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), housekeeping, and safe work practices.
• Other duties as assigned, including general building maintenance.

**Qualifications and Requirements**

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required; additional technical certifications preferred.
• Experience in a food or dairy production environment preferred.
• Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, or plant start-up a plus.
• Proficiency in maintenance management software (CMMS) preferred.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements outlined above for start-up crew positions.

Skills and Competencies

• Electrical: electrical schematics and documentation; 480V 3-phase troubleshooting and wiring; low voltage controls; VFDs and servos.
• Mechanical: welding (MIG, TIG, and Arc); pumps, valves, and gearboxes; pneumatic and hydraulic systems; mill and lathe; strong mechanical aptitude.
• Controls: Allen Bradley PLC knowledge including SLC 500, PLC 5, and Logix 5000 (troubleshooting and program understanding).
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