What are the responsibilities and job description for the MECHANICAL SPECIALIST I position at Kent Consumer Brands Americas, LLC?
Join a team behind some of America’s most recognized consumer brands - and build something that lasts. At KENT WORLDWIDE™, you’re part of a company built for the long term, with nearly a century of growth and strong momentum ahead!
Our Consumer Brands team at the Pet Plant is hiring a Mechanical Specialist I to help keep operations running safely and efficiently. You’ll work alongside experienced specialists and partner closely with operations to troubleshoot issues, complete repairs, and keep production on track. Here, your work has real impact. You’ll be part of a team that values quality, supports growth, and takes pride in moving the business forward!
- This role is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.
- Rotating 12-hour shifts – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., switching to 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. after 2 weeks.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a strong understanding of plant-wide process equipment and safe maintenance practices required for each system
- Monitor equipment performance, proactively identifying and resolving issues to minimize downtime while prioritizing safe operation
- Safely repair or replace motors, gearboxes, bearings, and other mechanical components across the plant
- Perform repairs on conveyance systems (screw, drag, bucket, belt, etc.) with a focus on proper lockout/tagout and safe work procedures
- Complete routine maintenance tasks (motor greasing, gearbox inspections, baghouse inspections, etc.) in alignment with safety standards and best practices
- Accurately document all maintenance activities in the CMMS, ensuring clear records of work performed, parts used, and time required
- Consistently follow all KENT safety protocols, plant policies, and regulatory requirements to maintain a safe work environment
- Communicate observations, potential hazards, and root causes of equipment failure to Maintenance and Production leadership, supporting continuous improvement
- Maintain clean, organized work areas by following 5S and housekeeping expectations during and after all work
- Support off-shift, weekend, and holiday coverage as needed while maintaining safe work practices at all times
- Take on additional responsibilities as assigned
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent qualification required
- Accreditation from a technical school or an applicable skilled trades program with 0-2 years of experience is preferred.
- Effective problem-solving abilities
- Reliable/Self-Motivated, requiring minimal supervision
- Must be able to communicate across the organization in a professional manner
- Effectively utilizes time and resources
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Working knowledge of (or ability to learn) key mechanical and operational systems, including gearboxes (Dodge, Eurodrive, Falk, Reeves, Sumitomo), motors and bearings, material handling (belt, drag, screw, bucket elevators, conveyors), process equipment (pellet, roller, hammer mills, mixers, baghouses, fans), and packaging systems (bagging, bundling, boxing, palletizing, wrapping); along with basic computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel), CMMS (AX/Dynaway), EDMS, and the ability to read and apply technical drawings and documentation
TRAVEL EXPECTED:
- 5-10% - Required to travel between 2 plants until the legacy plant is decommissioned. Then there will be minimal travel
OTHER:
- Must be able to lift/carry tools/parts up and down elevations where lifting equipment is not accessible.