What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maintenance Welder/Fabricator/Mechanic position at Republic Paperboard?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Welding & Fabrication
- Perform MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and other materials.
- Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, sketches, and work orders.
- Fabricate platforms, guards, chutes, piping supports, brackets, and custom machine components.
- Cut, shape, grind, fit, and assemble metal materials using hand and power tools.
- Repair worn, damaged, or failed equipment through welding and fabrication techniques.
- Install and modify plant equipment and structural components.
Mechanical Maintenance
- Diagnose and repair mechanical equipment failures.
- Perform maintenance on pumps, gearboxes, motors, conveyors, bearings, chains, couplings, valves, and hydraulic systems.
- Remove and install motors, shafts, bearings, and associated equipment.
- Conduct preventative and predictive maintenance inspections.
- Align machinery and replace mechanical components as required.
- Troubleshoot equipment problems and recommend corrective actions.
Safety & Quality
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain compliance with lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and PPE requirements.
- Inspect completed work to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
- Keep work areas clean and organized.
- Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
General Responsibilities
- Respond to breakdowns and emergency maintenance situations.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
- Assist with outages, shutdowns, and capital projects.
- Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and other equipment as qualified.
- Work effectively with operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in welding, fabrication, industrial maintenance, or related trades.
- Demonstrated proficiency in welding processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding.
- Ability to read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and fabrication prints.
- Knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment repair.
- Ability to safely use welding, cutting, grinding, and fabrication equipment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and call-ins as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Trade school, technical degree, or apprenticeship training.
- AWS welding certification.
- Experience in industrial manufacturing, pulp and paper, converting, or heavy industry.
- Experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, pumps, and rotating equipment.
- Forklift and aerial lift certification.
- Basic machining experience.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier loads with assistance.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
- Ability to work at heights and in varying environmental conditions.
- Ability to wear required PPE including welding hood, respirator, gloves, and fall protection equipment.
Key Competencies
- Safety Focus
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Welding and Fabrication Skills
- Troubleshooting Ability
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability and Accountability
- Teamwork and Communication
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
Typical Work Environment
This position operates in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, high temperatures, noise, dust, vibration, and outdoor weather conditions. Strict adherence to safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements is mandatory.
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor / Maintenance Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Department: Maintenance