Junior Controls Technician (Athol)

Idaho Forest Group

Athol, ID

Pay: $34/hr

**POSITION SUMMARY**

The Junior Controls Technician supports the maintenance and troubleshooting of material handling control systems in a lumber manufacturing environment. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals looking to build hands-on experience with industrial control systems while working under the guidance of experienced controls and electrical technicians.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist senior controls and electrical technicians in maintaining material handling control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs, industrial networks and Robotics.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of control system issues and escalate complex problems to senior team members.
• Support routine inspections, testing, and preventative maintenance of electrical and control systems.
• Assist with software updates, patches, and minor configuration changes under supervision.
• Help collect and review system data and reports to support performance improvements.
• Work with internal OT/network support and OEM vendors as directed.
• Provide basic technical support for PLC and HMI devices.
• Follow established safety procedures and support compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to build technical knowledge.
• Consistently work at acceptable production and performance levels.
• Duties may vary by location.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

• Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field **OR** equivalent hands-on or technical training.
• Entry-level knowledge of industrial electrical and control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret basic electrical drawings and schematics.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs Robotics.
• Strong willingness to learn and follow instructions.
• Good problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills and comfort working with industrial software systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.
• Ability to pass a post-offer pre-employment physical, hair follicle drug test, and background check.

**PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS**

• Enrollment in or completion of a technical apprenticeship or electrical training program.
• Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to PLC programming software (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley).
• Familiarity with industrial networking concepts.
• Interest or basic exposure to robotic or automated systems.

**

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Production**

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – frequent
• Twist upper body – frequent
• Stoop – occasional
• Lift above waist height – frequent depending on machine center
• Lift over 50 lbs. – frequent depending on machine center
• Repetitive use of hands – constant
• Stand/walk – constant
• Sit – occasional
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

**WORK ENVIRONMENT**

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).

*Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.*

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.