Junior Controls Technician: Hands-on PLCs & Robotics

Idaho Forest Group; Idaho; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You will assist senior technicians with PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs and robotics, learn from drawings and schematics, perform routine inspections, document work, and participate in training to build hands‑on expertise while meeting safety and production standards.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent hands-on/technical training in electronics or related field.
• 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, and robotics.
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior technicians in maintaining material handling control systems (PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs, robotics).
• Perform basic troubleshooting and escalate complex issues.
• Support routine inspections, testing and preventative maintenance of electrical and control systems.
• Assist with software updates and minor configuration changes under supervision.
• Help collect and review system data and reports to support performance improvements.
• Coordinate with OT/network support and OEM vendors as directed.
• Provide basic technical support for PLC and HMI devices.
• Follow safety procedures and support regulatory compliance and audits.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed.
• Participate in training to build technical knowledge.
• Work to meet production and performance targets.

Skills

Electrical drawings

PLC/HMI knowledge

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Associate’s degree or technical training in electronics/mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

Industrial HMIs

Job description

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

You will assist senior technicians with PLCs, HMIs, motor controls, VFDs and robotics, learn from drawings and schematics, perform routine inspections, document work, and participate in training to build hands‑on expertise while meeting safety and production standards.