Maintenance Technician Level III

Role Objective: The Maintenance Technician Level III will perform advanced troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure product quality. The MT3 is responsible for maintaining and improving the performance of all mechanical, electrical, and automated systems within our organic dairy processing plant. This role requires a high level of technical expertise and the ability to work independently and as part of a team to ensure execution of efficient and effective operations that enable the Organization to maximize profitability and achieve our strategic goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work with maintenance and cross functional teams to oversee and ensure the timely preparation and maintenance of production machines and supporting equipment for daily production.
• Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and automated systems, including pumps, motors, conveyors, and refrigeration units. Utilize diagnostic tools and software to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Work with production Operators and teams, Ops Leadership, and Control and Quality teams on all process and maintenance issues, root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives that support cost reduction efforts, yield loss containment, and drive quality/safety improvements.
• Lead and participate in maintenance projects, such as equipment upgrades, installations, and modifications. May coordinate with vendors and contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective project completion.
• Consistently execute preventive maintenance schedules for all equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity. May perform routine inspections, lubrication, adjustments, and parts replacement as needed.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all maintenance activities, including work orders, parts inventory, and equipment status. Use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to track and report on maintenance performance.
• Respond promptly to emergency maintenance requests, including equipment breakdowns and power outages.
• Assist on changeovers, performing needed adjustments, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Consistently, and professionally communicate continuing events to peer teams and Ops leadership.

Training & Development

• Effectively, consistently, and professionally communicate continuing events to peer team members and operations leadership, as well as cross-functional teams
• Remains current with emerging industry regulations/codes related to mechanical/electrical systems design and operation
• Provide mentoring and training to junior maintenance technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to enhance team capabilities, guiding with a positive disposition and personal high quality work ethic. May assist in the development of training materials and programs.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all maintenance work adheres to safety regulations and industry standards, and company policies. This includes but is not limited to lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and hazard communication standards.
• Must work in a safe manner and comply with all health, security and emergency requirements communicating any safety hazard to a member of management.
• Must comply with all Company rules and policies communicated through your Team Member Handbook, trainings, noticeboards, or by any member of management.
• Remains current with emerging industry regulations/codes related to mechanical/electrical systems design and operation.

General Functions

• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and any/all established processes, whether established by manager, by the company or by law.
• Participate in team meetings, biweekly huddles, safety meetings and other company meetings, as requested.
• Support companywide sustainability goals to manage all resources and assist with the communication of these goals to maintenance team.
• Maintain excellent attendance and work ethic.
• Other duties as requested.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, preferred but not required.
• Minimum 8 years of advanced maintenance and troubleshooting experience in food or dairy processing, required.
• PSM (Process Safety Management) and good understanding of process control and PLC (Programmable Logic Controls) experience, required.
• Experience with mechanical, hydraulic, and gas systems (liquid propane, boilers), and industrial electrical, required.
• Experience with ARC, MIG, and TIG welding skills, required.
• Experience with refrigeration/HVAC and/or liquid processing & ammonia refrigeration, preferred.
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Suite), smart technology (iOS), and willingness to expand technical knowledge in these areas. Redzone efficiency experience, preferred.
• Comprehension of basic business math and preparing concise/accurate records and reports, required.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, in English, with cross-functional team members, supervisors, customers, and vendors, preferred but not required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred but not required.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and reliable transportation to travel between locations as needed/requested, preferred.

Core Competencies

• Advanced Technical Expertise
• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
• Equipment Mastery
• Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
• Data & Systems Proficiency
• Cross-Functional Collaboration.
• Process & Continuous Improvement Mindset

Physical, Sensory & Mental Requirements

• This role is primarily frontline – on the production floor. Ability to stand for prolonged periods is required.
• Withstand frequent periods of walking, climbing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, turning the head and torso, reaching, grasping, bending and flexing the arms, legs. Repetitive at times.
• Operate hand and power tools, diagnostic devices, and mobile platforms using hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to speak and clearly communicate information, instructions, and equipment status to cross-functional team members in noisy environments (up to 90 decibels), often while wearing PPE (e.g., hearing protection, masks).
• Ability to hear and distinguish a range of sounds, including alarms, equipment malfunctions, and to detect changes in machine operation by sound (e.g., grinding, hissing, or irregular rhythms). Use of hearing protection required in high-decibel areas, with ability to still perceive critical auditory cues.
• Visual acuity to read schematics, digital displays, gauges, and small print on labels and parts, to detect visual signs of equipment wear, leaks, contamination, or safety hazards.
• Depth perception and peripheral vision required for safe navigation around moving machinery and forklifts. Able to distinguish colors for wiring, indicators, and safety signage.
• Climb and balance, to work at high elevations (i.e., rooftops, tops of tanks), and/or in confined spaces.
• Withstand temperatures ranging from -20° to 100° Fahrenheit and to work in cold, wet, humid environments.
• Work in high allergen environments.
• Lift, hold and/or carry 50 pounds, unassisted.
• High attention to detail in safety-critical environments.
• Rapid decision-making during equipment failures or product hold scenarios.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift tasks during production changes.

Work Location & Hours

• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.
• This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA.
• Hours will vary. Flexibility to work different shifts when required and to work weekends and all holidays is required.
• Ability to work overtime – after normal scheduled hours - and to be on-call as needed to ensure continuous plant operation.
• Ability to travel to different work locations, up to 10% of time. Must possess a valid Driver’s License, good driving record, and reliable transportation to travel between locations as needed/requested.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position nor does it restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing. The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties. The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming. Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.

Pay: $35.86 - $40.00 / hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Other
• Profit sharing

Job Type: fulltime

Schedule:

• Weekend availability
• Holidays
• On call
• Overtime
• 12 hour shift

Education: No education required

Work location: On-site