Food Plant Utilities Technician – Maintenance & Reliability

Salm Partners, LLC; Denmark; On-site; DKK 388,000 - 549,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading food production company in Wisconsin is seeking a Utilities Technician to maintain and troubleshoot plant utility systems. Candidates should have at least 3 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment and knowledge of HVAC, ammonia refrigeration, and plumbing. This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits including health coverage and 401(k) plans. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong troubleshooting skills and be able to work in a fast-paced industrial setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in a USDA-regulated environment.
• Experience with hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain plant utility systems, including refrigeration and HVAC.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on utility equipment.
• Support safety and documentation protocols.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

HVAC maintenance

Plumbing

Welding

Basic computer proficiency

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

We are a leading manufacturer of premium, ready-to-eat link sausages and hot dogs. The company was founded in 2004 by four brothers, Chris, Joe, Mark, and Pete Salm. They partnered their individual talents together to create our organization, using the “partnership” concept as the cornerstone for our success. Since then, we have expanded and have two production plants with over 1,000 partners in Denmark, WI. In 2023, Johnsonville purchased Salm Partners to help grow not only its own ready-to-eat sausage business, but the ready-to-eat sausage category as a whole. The combination of the country’s most trusted retail sausage brand (Johnsonville) with the industry leading manufacturer (Salm Partners) has created a world class organization. We are committed to growth as a company and to our partners! Apply today and discover your opportunity to grow with us.

Position Overview

Performs diverse mechanical maintenance activities and basic electrical activities to install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive maintenance systems and processes to support the company operations, maintaining compliance with all safety, food safety, quality, SQF, GMP and USDA requirements.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all plant utility systems, including ammonia refrigeration, HVAC, boilers, compressed air systems, fire protection systems, water and wastewater systems, natural gas systems and chemical treatment systems.
• Perform regular scheduled Preventive Maintenance on utility equipment and plant facilities and document in CMMS.
• Perform daily inspections and complete verification logs on all systems.
• Support PSM program by keeping up on documentation, SOP reviews, and audit support.
• Work with outside contractors and services to perform scheduled preventive work or inspections, and for outside support when needed.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals and work requests to perform required maintenance and service.
• Perform basic machinist and welding duties as needs dictate.
• Monitor the water treatment systems; for boilers, cooling towers, and plant.
• Monitor the HVAC system; complete preventive maintenance, change filters, clean coils as needed.
• Monitor and maintain air compressors and vacuum pumps.
• Perform a variety of plumbing maintenance and carpentry functions.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools, electric meters and material handling equipment in performing duties.
• Detect faulty operations, defective material and report those and any unusual situations to the appropriate personnel.
• Follow established equipment Lockout/Tagout procedures as required without fail.
• Comply with allsafety rules and regulations per established company policies.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education

This position typically requires a high school diploma/GED. An Associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology, Electro-mechanical Technology or related field is preferred, or completion of a craft apprenticeship. If non-degreed, an equivalent number of years of training and production maintenance experience are required.

Experience

A minimum of 3 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment is required, preferably in a USDA-regulated environment, and with broad hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical and industrial skills application. PLC, boiler, ammonia refrigeration system, and HVAC experience is preferred. Previous exposure to power systems, AC frequency drives, gearboxes, chain and belt drives, and pumps is also preferred.

Skills

Communication Skills

Must possess good verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to read and interpret schematics.

Computer Skills

Must have basic computer proficiency with Word, Excel and Outlook. Previous experience with AutoCAD or Sold Works for generating and/or editing schematics and mechanical drawings is preferred.

Mathematical Skills

Must have basic math skills.

Other Requirements

Reasoning Ability

Must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, verbal or diagram form. Must possess strong trouble shooting and problem solving skills.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the partner is frequently required to stand for extended periods; walk; sit and talk or hear. The partner is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, with repetitive motions of hands, arms and shoulders. The partner must regularly lift up to 50# and periodically lift and/or move up to 75 #. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. There is a wide variation of temperatures ranging from 35° F to 100° F in the various work areas. The work environment is wet and slippery most times, and the noise level in the production work environment is usually loud. Maintenance Partners are required to wear frocks, hairnets, hearing protection, and EH-rated composite toed slip-resistant footwear at all times on the production floor. Gloves, goggles, and face shield may be required at different times in the course of the work being performed.

Benefits And Compensation

Full-time Partners at Salm have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their well-being and future. This includes a 401(k) with a company match, health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as an optional Health Savings Account (HSA). Salm also provides company-paid short-term disability and life insurance policies. Full-time Partners enjoy paid time off (PTO) and the opportunity to grow within a values-driven and team-focused environment. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and position.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the country where this job is located, without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Salm Partners is an equal opportunity employer, including Vet/Disability.

We embrace the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including protected veteran and disability status.