Maintenance Mechanic

Job Summary

The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for performing routine maintenance, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment, machinery, and facility systems. This role ensures the reliable operation of all equipment, supports production efficiency, and minimizes downtime to maintain smooth manufacturing processes at Bellwether Farms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs on dairy processing equipment, such as pumps, motors, conveyors, mixers, packaging machines, and refrigeration systems.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose equipment malfunctions, identify root causes of problems, and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency.
• Preventive Maintenance: Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program to regularly inspect and service equipment, including lubrication, cleaning, and calibration, to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance.
• Equipment Installation and Setup: Assist in the installation, setup, and commissioning of new equipment or production lines, ensuring proper alignment, connections, and functionality.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, including work performed, parts used, equipment history, and maintenance schedules. Complete work orders and update maintenance logs as required.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and regulations, including lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and equipment guarding. Report any safety hazards or incidents promptly.
• Team Collaboration: Coordinate and collaborate with other departments, such as production, quality assurance, and engineering, to address equipment-related issues and support overall operational efficiency.
• Equipment Upgrades and Modifications: Assist in equipment upgrades, modifications, or retrofits to improve performance, efficiency, or safety standards.

General Responsibilities

• Perform all tasks safely and in compliance with the company’s safety policy.
• Report all injuries, accidents, and unsafe conditions immediately to your team lead or management.
• Perform all tasks in compliance with Food Safety and Quality policies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Qualifications /Requirements

• Vocational or technical training in mechanical maintenance or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience in a manufacturing, dairy, or food processing environment preferred.
• Experience with dairy-specific equipment (e.g., pasteurizers, separators, homogenizers) is highly desirable.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with proficiency in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs and maintenance recordkeeping.
• Basic computer skills or the ability to learn systems to complete work orders and maintenance logs.
• Understanding of Food Safety Standards and Regulations, including GMPs and HACCP.
• Demonstrated punctuality, reliability, and flexibility to work scheduled shifts and overtime as needed.
• Valid California Driver’s License with a clean DMV record.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with a respectful, positive attitude toward coworkers and supervisors.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual English/Spanish preferred to support a diverse team.

Physical and Mental Requirements

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting the torso for extended periods (8 hours or more).
• Regularly lifting and moving objects weighing 35 to 75 pounds.
• Using hands and arms to grip, handle, feel, reach, and write as needed for machinery operation and documentation.
• Pushing/pulling heavy loads (over 1,850 pounds) using manual pallet jacks or other equipment.
• Working at various heights, including on stairs, ladders, step stools, platforms, or personnel lifts.

Visual demands include:

• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus and read printed or digital instructions.

Work Environment:

Maintenance Mechanic will perform duties primarily within an active dairy processing facility where conditions can vary throughout the workday. The environment includes exposure to industrial noise, varying temperatures, and the presence of moving machinery and equipment. Employees must adhere to strict safety and food quality protocols to maintain a safe and compliant workspace.

Work may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots. Tasks often involve working in elevated areas, confined spaces, and potentially slippery or wet surfaces. Flexibility to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and respond to urgent maintenance needs outside regular hours is essential to support continuous production.

Compensation and Benefits

Bellwether Farms is committed to pay equity and transparency in alignment with California law. The anticipated hourly pay range for this position is $28.00 – $34.00. This range is provided as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligibility begins after 30 days of employment)
• 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Access to company products and employee discounts

Bellwether Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.