GAP Maintenance

aviagen; Elkmont (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviagen is seeking a Maintenance I associate to uphold the facilities and equipment that support poultry production. You will perform preventative maintenance, diagnose issues, and repair mechanical and electrical systems across farm buildings and utilities.

You will work on carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical tasks, using power tools and diagnostic equipment. The role requires independent work, adherence to safety and biosecurity policies, and accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in agriculture, farming, poultry, construction, or mechanical maintenance is preferred.
• Working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, HVAC, mechanical systems, and general building maintenance.
• Ability to safely operate power tools and maintenance equipment.
• Basic understanding of electrical troubleshooting and mechanical repair.
• Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout procedures and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance and general repairs on poultry houses, hatchery buildings, storage facilities, and other agricultural structures.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain agricultural equipment and facility systems to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Install, maintain, and repair: chain and auger feed systems, water delivery, ventilation equipment, environmental controllers, heating/cooling, electrical and plumbing systems, generators, wells, septic systems.
• Perform routine carpentry, roofing, welding, concrete, fencing, and structural repairs.
• Repair and replace electrical fixtures, plumbing components, PVC piping, valves, fittings, lighting, switches, and outlets.
• Install and repair Cat6 wiring and low-voltage communication systems used throughout facilities.
• Maintain records, inspections, and inventory; keep workshops organized.
• Follow all safety policies including LOTO, biosecurity and animal welfare standards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Electrical knowledge

Carpentry

Plumbing

HVAC awareness

Reading manuals

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power tools

Welding equipment

Diagnostic tools

Lockout/Tagout knowledge

Job description

Job Description Summary: The Maintenance I associate is responsible for maintaining the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that support the daily operations of a poultry production operation. This position performs preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and general maintenance on farm buildings, equipment, utilities, and support systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation. The technician works closely with farm management to maintain compliance with company standards for safety, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare.

This position requires the ability to work independently, respond to maintenance priorities, and perform a variety of skilled trade functions in both indoor and outdoor agricultural environments. Job Description:

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance and general repairs on poultry houses, hatchery buildings, storage facilities, and other agricultural structures.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain agricultural equipment and facility systems to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.
• Install, maintain, and repair:
  • Chain feed systems
  • Auger feed systems
  • Water delivery systems
  • Ventilation equipment
  • Rotem environmental controllers
  • Heating and cooling equipment
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Generators
  • Wells and water systems
  • Septic systems
• Perform routine carpentry, roofing, welding, concrete, fencing, and structural repairs as needed.
• Repair and replace electrical fixtures, plumbing components, PVC piping, valves, fittings, lighting, switches, and outlets.
• Install and repair Cat6 wiring and other low-voltage communication systems used throughout agricultural facilities.
• Perform routine lubrication, adjustments, inspections, and preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for preventative maintenance to reduce equipment failures.
• Assist with emergency maintenance repairs to minimize disruptions to farm operations.
• Operate company vehicles, tractors, utility vehicles, aerial lifts, and other equipment as required.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, inspections, and inventory of repair parts and supplies.
• Maintain organized workshops, storage areas, maintenance vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, biosecurity protocols, environmental regulations, and animal welfare standards.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safely operate tools and equipment.
• Assist with facility improvements, remodeling projects, and seasonal maintenance activities.
• Participate in on-call or emergency maintenance response when operational needs require.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous maintenance experience in agriculture, farming, poultry, construction, mechanical maintenance, or a related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, HVAC, mechanical systems, and general building maintenance.
• Ability to safely operate power tools, hand tools, and maintenance equipment.
• Basic understanding of electrical troubleshooting and mechanical repair.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, operating manuals, diagrams, and technical instructions.
• Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout procedures and general workplace safety practices preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must provide and maintain a basic set of personal hand tools, including:
  • Socket and wrench set
  • Drill
  • Skill saw
  • Grinder
  • Sawzall
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Volt meter
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and team members.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to prioritize maintenance requests in a fast-paced agricultural environment.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to identify maintenance issues before they become operational failures.
• Commitment to biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and weather conditions.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Safely work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated work platforms up to approximately 20 feet while using required fall protection equipment.
• Perform repetitive movements involving hand