Plant Maintenance Technician (Maintenance Mechanic)
Compensation
The Role
Plant Maintenance Technician (Maintenance Mechanic)
Location: GC10 – 2117 Centennial Drive, Gainesville, GA 30504
Shifts: 1st and 2nd shift openings
***PAY RATE DEPENDS ON EXPERIENCE***
**POSITION SUMMARY**
The Maintenance Technician installs, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains production equipment, utilities, and facility systems within a poultry processing facility. This position supports equipment reliability and production efficiency by completing preventive maintenance, responding to breakdowns, and restoring equipment to proper operating condition while protecting product quality and operational standards. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and flexibility to work extended hours, including overtime and weekends, based on operational needs.
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production equipment, including conveyors, ovens, fryers, packaging machines, pumps, motors, gearboxes, and related systems.
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on machinery, tools, utilities, and facility equipment.
- Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical malfunctions and complete timely repairs to reduce production downtime.
- Replace worn or damaged components and verify that replacement parts are installed correctly.
- Respond to emergency equipment breakdowns during production shifts and communicate repair status to affected teams.
- Test equipment after repairs to confirm proper operation and safe performance before returning it to service.
- Install, set up, relocate, and modify equipment and production lines as assigned.
- Perform welding, fabrication, and minor construction repairs within the scope of training and authorization.
- Monitor compressed air, refrigeration interfaces, steam, water, and other assigned utility systems.
- Maintain spare-parts inventory and communicate replenishment or critical-parts needs to appropriate personnel.
- Complete work orders, maintenance logs, inspections, and parts-usage records accurately and promptly.
- Maintain tools, work areas, and maintenance shops in a clean, organized, and serviceable condition.
- Communicate recurring equipment issues to the appropriate personnel.
- Perform other duties reasonably related to the role as assigned.
**QUALIFICATIONS**
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or GED preferred but not required; technical training in industrial maintenance, welding, electrical systems, or a related field preferred.
- 1+ year of maintenance experience in a manufacturing, food processing, or industrial environment preferred.
- Experience with preventive maintenance programs preferred.
- Experience troubleshooting motors, conveyors, pneumatics, hydraulics, or packaging equipment preferred.
Skills
- Basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to use hand tools, power tools, welders, and diagnostic equipment safely and effectively.
- Ability to read work orders, equipment manuals, blueprints, and basic electrical or mechanical schematics.
- Strong problem-solving, organization, and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with production and maintenance team members.
- Ability to communicate equipment status, repair needs, and recurring issues clearly to leadership.
- Ability to prioritize urgent repairs and manage changing demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Working knowledge of lockout/tagout and safe machine-servicing practices.
**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS**
- Ability to stand and remain on your feet for the majority of the work shift while performing tasks.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, with or without assistance.
- Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and elevated platforms safely.
- Ability to kneel, crawl, crouch, and work in confined spaces when performing repairs.
- Ability to frequently use tools and equipment above shoulder height.
- Ability to work in hot, wet, cold, or humid production and outdoor areas during repairs.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
**WORK ENVIRONMENT**
Work is performed in a poultry processing facility that operates year-round and may run multiple shifts, including weekends and holidays. Employees work in production areas that may include:
- Cold, refrigerated environments (Fresh Processing)
- Warm or hot areas near ovens, fryers, or cooking equipment (Prepared Foods)
- Wet and humid conditions with floors that may be wet or slippery
- Moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection
- Exposure to raw poultry and beef products and strong food-related odors
- Exposure to common food allergens used in production, including but not limited to wheat, soy, milk, sesame, and egg
Work is performed around moving machinery, conveyor systems, powered industrial equipment, and sharp tools.
**FOOD SAFETY AN
Benefits
Estimated- Competitive pay
- Health insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Overtime available
- Safety training provided