Junior Controls Technician (Athol)

Idaho Forest Group; Athol (ID); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho Forest Group is seeking an entry-level Junior Controls Technician to support maintenance and troubleshooting of material handling control systems in a lumber manufacturing setting.

You will work under experienced technicians, learn PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs, and industrial networks, and gain hands-on experience while contributing to safety and documentation practices.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent hands-on training in electronics or mechatronics.
• Entry-level knowledge of industrial electrical and control systems.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and schematics.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs and robotics.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.
• Pass post-offer pre-employment physical, hair follicle drug test, and background check.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior technicians in maintaining material handling control systems (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs).
• Troubleshoot basic control system issues and escalate complex problems.
• Support routine inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance.
• Assist with software updates and minor configuration changes.
• Document work performed and collect system data for improvements.
• Coordinate with OT/network staff and OEM vendors as directed.

Skills

PLC basics

HMI basics

Electrical drawings

Robotics exposure

Troubleshooting

Team player

Safety compliance

Automation concepts

Education

Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Job description

The Junior Controls Technician supports the maintenance and troubleshooting of material handling control systems in a lumber manufacturing environment. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals looking to build hands-on experience with industrial control systems while working under the guidance of experienced controls and electrical technicians.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist senior controls and electrical technicians in maintaining material handling control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs, industrial networks and Robotics.
• Perform basic troubleshooting of control system issues and **escalate complex problems to senior team members.**
• Support routine inspections, testing, and preventative maintenance of electrical and control systems.
• Assist with software updates, patches, and minor configuration changes under supervision.
• Help collect and review system data and reports to support performance improvements.
• Work with internal OT/network support and OEM vendors as directed.
• Provide basic technical support for PLC and HMI devices.
• Follow established safety procedures and support compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to build technical knowledge.
• Consistently work at acceptable production and performance levels.
• Duties may vary by location.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field OR equivalent hands-on or technical training.
• Entry-level knowledge of industrial electrical and control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret basic electrical drawings and schematics.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs Robotics.
• Strong willingness to learn and follow instructions.
• Good problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills and comfort working with industrial software systems.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.
• Ability to pass a post-offer pre-employment physical, hair follicle drug test, and background check.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrollment in or completion of a technical apprenticeship or electrical training program.
• Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to PLC programming software (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley).
• Familiarity with industrial networking concepts.
• Interest or basic exposure to robotic or automated systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Production

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist – frequent
• Twist upper body – frequent
• Lift above waist height – frequent depending on machine center
• Repetitive use of hands – constant
• Stand/walk – constant
• Vision – near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing – preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.