Dairy Plant Maintenance Technician — On-Call Weekends

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Inc.; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 80 hours first year

Medical, Dental, Vision

Supplemental Insurances

401k & Pension

STD, LTD, Life Insurance

Job summary

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Inc. is seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician for our Wisconsin facility. The role focuses on preventive, corrective, and routine maintenance of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, doors, and utility systems within a food manufacturing environment.

On-call rotations and strong adherence to GMPs are required. Ideal candidates have 2–5+ years in facilities maintenance, basic PLC and welding skills, and the ability to read drawings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–5+ years in facilities maintenance or industrial maintenance.
• Ability to read drawings and follow schematics.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Willingness to work varied shifts and weekends, on call.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on facility systems.
• Maintain HVAC, plumbing, doors, lighting, and basic electrical systems.
• Troubleshoot general facility issues with limited supervision.
• Complete work orders using the maintenance management system.
• Support GMP compliance and sanitary conditions.
• Assist with production equipment repairs and installations.
• Conduct seasonal grounds maintenance including snow removal.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, lifts, and forklifts safely.
• Identify safety hazards and report/correct them.
• Communicate with supervisors and other departments about needs.

Skills

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Welding & fabrication

Electrical basics

Food manufacturing knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

PLC basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

At Ellsworth Creamery, our team members are more than employees; they are like family and we are committed to their success. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years! Join our Team as we work with our cooperative of local farmers to create award-winning cheese!

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor

Supervises: None

Type: Hourly, Union, Non-Exempt

Shift: 11:00pm - 7:00am, M-F + On Call Rotation

+$1.50/hr Nightly Shift Premium paid from 6pm-6am, plus +$3.00/hr Weekend Premium for hours worked Saturday and Sundays

The Maintenance Technician III is responsible for performing skilled maintenance and repair of facility-related systems and infrastructure in a food manufacturing environment. This position requires independent work, sound judgment, and a strong working knowledge of facility systems while adhering to all safety, food quality, and regulatory requirements. This role works collaboratively with operations, sanitation, and maintenance team members to ensure the facility remains safe, functional, and compliant. Food and/or dairy manufacturing experience preferred. This role will be expected to be on an on-call rotation, every seventh weekend.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform routine, corrective, and preventive maintenance on facility systems including:
  • HVAC systems
  • Plumbing and piping
  • Doors, docks, walls, floors, ceilings, and structural components
  • Lighting, ballasts, outlets, and basic electrical systems
  • Compressed air, water, steam, and other utility systems (non-PLC controlled)
• Troubleshoot and repair general facility issues with limited supervision.
• Complete work orders accurately and in a timely manner using the maintenance management system.
• Support preventive maintenance programs for facility and utility equipment and document findings or deficiencies.
• Perform general fabrication, welding, and installation tasks related to facility upkeep.
• Maintain sanitary conditions in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Assist High Skilled maintenance personnel with production equipment repairs, installations, or rebuilds as directed.
• Perform seasonal and grounds maintenance activities, including snow removal and exterior upkeep.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, lifts, and forklifts as required.
• Identify facility-related safety hazards and report or correct them promptly.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, maintenance staff, and other departments regarding facility needs and work status.

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to read and interpret basic drawings, technical schematics, manuals, and work instructions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication skills in both verbal and written form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide into all units of measurement.
• Basic understanding of PLC operations and diagnostics.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when to escalate issues.
• Basic welding and fabrication skills are preferred.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, basic electrical, mechanical systems and building maintenance.
• Ability to work in a team environment and promote a positive workplace culture.
• Understanding of food manufacturing processes and sanitation standards.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends, and on call as required.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–5+ years of experience in facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, or building trades preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs. repetitively.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods.
• Comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions.
• Pass a drug & alcohol screen and general background check.

Work Environment / Environment Condition:

• Food plant environment. Atmosphere may be humid, hot and will be dependent upon weather.
• Must adhere to all food and plant safety policies and regulations.

Benefits Package - excellent benefits for you and the family!

• PTO - 80 hours in the first year of service!
• Affordable Medical, Dental, Vision
• Supplemental Insurances: Accidental, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• 401k & Pension
• Company provided benefits: STD, LTD, Life Insurances

Our Ellsworth, Wisconsin facility specializes solely in the production of our world-famous All Natural White Cheddar Cheese Curds, both natural and flavored, our All Natural Cheddar Cheese Curd Crumbles and sweet whey powder.

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910