Maintenance Helper - 1st shift

POSITION SUMMARY

The Maintenance Helper supports the maintenance team in ensuring that all equipment, machinery, and facilities within the meat processing plant are kept in safe, clean, and efficient working conditions. This role assists with repairs, preventive maintenance, and general upkeep tasks to minimize downtime and support smooth production operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts inspection of waste storage area and perform maintenance on wastewater system to maintain continual working conditions. 
• Assist maintenance technicians in performing routine and preventive maintenance on production equipment, conveyors, refrigeration systems, boilers, and other plant machinery.
• Perform basic tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and replacing parts under supervision.
• Support in moving tools, parts, and equipment to job sites as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the maintenance shop and work areas.
• Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Assist during equipment installation, setup, or relocation.
• Respond to urgent repair requests and support technicians in reducing equipment downtime.
• Follow lockout/tagout and other safety protocols when working around machinery.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification is a plus.
• Previous experience in maintenance, preferably in a food or meat processing environment or industrial setting.
• Knowledge plumbing and general building maintenance.
• Experience operating maintenance and groundskeeping equipment.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to work in a cold, wet, and fast-paced meat processing environment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English with strong verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to stack and lift heavy boxes, crates, or meat products, which can range from 50 pounds or more (unassisted). The job typically involves standing and walking for extended periods to move around the warehouse, inspecting inventory, and fulfill orders. The employee may involve repetitive motions, such as scanning barcodes, sorting products, packaging items, and bending, stoop, and kneel to access products on lower shelves. The employee may operate machinery like forklifts or pallet jacks, requiring physical coordination and the ability to handle heavy equipment. 

Due to noise levels in the work environment, the use of hearing protection is required.  The employee must have good, corrected vision to see details at close range or at a distance. The employee will be working in a cold storage environment and may be exposed to heat when working outside the warehouse area. The employee may be exposed to strong odors such as raw meat and marinades from seasoned meat.              

While in the production area, the employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include hair and beard nets, rubber soled shoes, smocks, hearing protection and hard hats.