Why you will love working at Maola: Built on over a century of dedication, Maola is always looking ahead-investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and securing fresh, local dairy for the future. Join a farmer-owned cooperative rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a passion for providing fresh, high-quality Maola dairy products. We prioritize your well-being with competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, Life Insurance, paid time off, and more-available within your first month. Our employees are an integral part of who we are - what you do and what you think matters. SUMMARY: The Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing a wide range of maintenance tasks to support the efficient and safe operation of equipment and systems in a dairy manufacturing plant. This role ensures all production, processing, packaging, and utility systems function reliably, with a strong focus on preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment repairs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Perform scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) on machinery and facility systems, including processing equipment, refrigeration systems, and utilities. Troubleshoot and repair equipment breakdowns in a timely manner to minimize production downtime. Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic issues and determine appropriate corrective actions. Maintain equipment such as pasteurizers, homogenizers, separators, filling lines, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems. Work with the operations team to improve equipment performance and reliability. Maintain proper documentation of repairs, PMs, and part usage in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Support the installation of new machinery and equipment as needed. Follow and enforce all company safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). Respond to emergency breakdowns on nights, weekends, and holidays if required. Maintain cleanliness and organization in maintenance work areas. Install, maintain, and repair machinery, equipment, and physical structures following specifications, blueprints, manuals, and schematic drawings using hand tools and power tools. Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on machinery and equipment to ensure optimal functioning. Clean and lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, and other parts of machinery using rags, brushes, and grease guns. Install and repair components of machinery and equipment including motors, pumps, and conveyors. Repair or replace gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and other related components. Inspect and repair boiler fittings such as safety valves, regulators, control mechanisms, and auxiliary equipment (pumps, fans, burners). Set up and operate machine tools (lathe, grinder, drill, milling machine) to fabricate or repair machine parts, jigs, fixtures, and tools. Operate cutting torch or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts as needed. Fabricate and repair counters, benches, partitions, and other wooden structures and fixtures. Respond promptly to breakdowns, assess root causes, and implement corrective measures to restore operations. Maintain accurate records of maintenance tasks, inspections, repairs, and part replacements. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or GED required; technical training or certification in industrial maintenance preferred. Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in industrial maintenance, preferably in a food, beverage, or dairy processing environment. Solid understanding of mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration systems. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals. Familiarity with welding, fabrication, plumbing, and HVAC is a plus. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and within a team setting. Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. COMPETENCIES: Communication Communicate clearly and effectively through multiple channels - oral, written, visual, and non-verbal - ensuring our messages are understood and delivered appropriately, whether in-person or digitally.

Accountability Take responsibility for actions and anticipate challenges before they arise. Solve problems both within and outside of departments, proactively addressing issues as they occur.

Customer Focused Prioritize understanding and meeting both internal and external customer needs. Ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty by anticipating customer requirements and striving for exceptional service.

Initiative Proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing potential threats. Act independently and decisively, rather than waiting for situations to demand action.

Problem-Solving Possess the ability to identify and address complex issues with minimal guidance. Skilled at analyzing challenges and finding practical, effective solutions.

Collaboration Take responsibility for deliverables while also supporting others to ensure that collective goals are met. Able to work harmoniously with others toward a common goal, recognizing and valuing each person's contributions, is fundamental to successful collaboration.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must be able to reach, bend, extend, and lift 50-60 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment may require working in the cooler room with varying degrees of temperature and may include contact with water or dairy liquids. Exposed to a noise level of 90 decibels. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/high. Wet/slippery work conditions.

Maola Local Dairies is a farmer-owned cooperative sustainably producing a full suite of nutritious dairy products. Maola processes milk, cream, butter, and dry milk powders through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit www.maolamilk.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.