What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maintenance Technician - 10hr Shift position at UNC Dairy?
Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200 local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.
**Sign-on Bonus: $10,000**
Job Summary:
Maintenance Technician is responsible for repairing, troubleshooting high speed processing/packaging equipment, preventative maintenance, installing, systems and utilities within a 24/7 continuous Dairy Food Processing Facility. Must be a team member that ensures line efficiency goals are met.
Work Schedule & Career Growth:
This position follows a 10-hour shift schedule with rotating workdays throughout the week. We are currently hiring for both 2nd Shift (2:00 PM – 12:30 AM) and 3rd Shift (10:00 PM – 8:30 AM). Weekend availability is required.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, Maintenance Mechanics participate in a skills assessment every six months. These evaluations focus on technical proficiency, safety practices, and equipment knowledge. Based on performance and demonstrated mastery, employees may be eligible for a skills-based raise. This program is designed to recognize growth and reward excellence in the field.
Duties & Responsibilities:
•Ability to troubleshoot and correct utilizing the following skills: Industrial Electrical 480V, AC/DC Theory, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Pumps, Mechanical Maintenance, Motors, Digital Electronics, Print Reading, Control Circuits, Power Supplies, Power Distribution, Test Instruments, and Computers.
•Understands operational urgency and supports production requirements.
•Ensures safe operating practices for self and other operators.
•Uses established preventative maintenance programs to maintain operating systems.
•Repairs and replaces defective parts.
•Adjusts functional parts of devices and control instruments.
•Repairs electrical instrumentation and control equipment.
•Team member working with Maintenance, Engineering and Operators who has good communication skills.
•Boiler operation and ammonia experience a plus.
•Must meet minimum of twelfth grade level in math and reading.
•Must complete Maintenance Skills Evaluation.
Experience & Education Requirements:
- Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or one year related mechanical maintenance experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
Compensation Structure:
- Base Pay Range: $31.50–$41.50 per hour*
- Skill-Based Scaling: Pay may increase up to $41.50 per hour* based on performance in a skills assessment.
Ongoing Evaluation:
- Skills assessments are conducted every 6 months to ensure continued growth and alignment with role expectations. Pay adjustments may follow based on assessment outcomes.
*The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA. The posted pay rate reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.