What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maintenance Tech III - Whey position at Lactalis USA?
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At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.
As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.
In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.
From your PASSION to ours
Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Maintenance Technician III based in Nampa, ID.
The Maintenance Technician III - Whey role is responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and improving equipment within the Whey plant. This position supports safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a large-scale dairy manufacturing environment by responding to equipment downtime, diagnosing root causes, and performing mechanical and basic electrical repairs. This is a key role for maintaining production flow and supporting continuous improvement.
From your EXPERTISE to ours
Key responsibilities for this position include:
* Respond to equipment failures and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues.
* Perform repairs on whey processing equipment including pumps, valves, separators, filtration systems, evaporators, dryers, and CIP-integrated systems.
* Make adjustments to maintain throughput, product quality, and equipment performance.
* Interpret symptoms, identify root causes, and determine corrective actions independently.
* Support changeovers, setups, and process optimization activities.
* Perform preventive and predictive maintenance tasks as needed.
* Document all work in Maximo and communicate repair needs, parts usage, and follow-up actions.
* Collaborate with operators, supervisors, and fellow technicians to maintain safety, product quality, and production efficiency.
* Utilize Microsoft Office and Outlook for communication and maintenance documentation.
From your STORY to ours
Qualified applicants will contribute the following:
Education
* Associate's Degree from a two-year college or technical school preferred, but equivalent experience considered.
Experience
* 2-4 years of maintenance experience in a production environment.
* Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or utility systems in food, dairy, or similar manufacturing is preferred.
Specialized Knowledge
* Ability to read and interpret technical instructions, schematics, and equipment manuals.
* Understanding of electrical and mechanical principles, lockout/tagout, and safe work practices.
Skills / Abilities
* Strong troubleshooting and decision-making skills.
* Ability to work independently under time pressure.
* Clear communication abilities in both written and verbal formats.
* Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
* Strong personal responsibility and teamwork skills.
Professional Certifications
* Not required, but trade certifications are valued
Physical Requirements
* Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a large dairy manufacturing facility for extended periods.
* Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs, with assistance for heavier items.
* Ability to climb ladders, access elevated platforms, and work in confined spaces.
* Ability to work in warm processing areas, cool rooms, and outdoor utility spaces.
* Ability to work around moving machinery, rotating equipment, high-pressure systems, and energized components.
* Ability to wear required PPE including hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory protection when needed.
* Ability to work overtime, weekends, or holidays in a 24/7 production environment when required.
At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.