Junior Maintenance Mechanic

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Maintenance Technician to support the plant's fundamental maintenance functions, with on-the-job training to advance to a Tier 1 position.

You will perform equipment maintenance and repairs, participate in lockout/tagout, work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, operate tools, and follow safety policies. High school diploma and eagerness to learn are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required for entry-level roles.
• No prior experience required; on-the-job training provided.
• OSHA 10 certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Maintenance & Repair: assist in troubleshooting malfunctions, diagnose problems, perform repairs, clean and lubricate parts.
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures: perform proper lockout/tagout on all equipment.
• Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: lay out, assemble, install, and prepare pipe systems; repair gauges, valves, regulators, and related components.
• Tool Operation: set up and operate lathe, grinder, drill, jigs, fixtures.
• Safety & Compliance: adhere to company safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties: perform other duties as required to meet needs.

Skills

Clear communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Troubleshooting

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms® Bison® Milk for Life® Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Job Summary

This entry-level role is designed to support the fundamental maintenance functions within the plant while receiving on-the-job training to advance to a Tier 1 Maintenance Technician.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Maintenance & Repair: Assist in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, diagnosing problems, and performing repairs. Clean and lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, and other machinery parts. Repair and maintain the physical condition of the facility.
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Perform proper lockout/tagout on all equipment.
• Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Assist in laying out, assembling, installing, and preparing pipe systems and related hydraulic/pneumatic equipment. Repair or replace gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and related components.
• Tool Operation: Set up and operate tools such as lathe, grinder, drill, jigs, and fixtures.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties: Perform other duties as required to meet needs.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent (not explicitly stated but typically required for entry-level roles).

Experience

• No prior experience required; this is an entry-level role with on-the-job training provided.

Preferred Skills

• Troubleshooting complex equipment and systems.
• Understanding of valves and electrical components.
• OSHA 10 certification.
• Advanced mechanical skills.

Technical Skills

• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Familiarity with hand tools; able to perform basic measurements.
• Basic knowledge of blueprints and schematics (desirable but not mandatory).
• Understanding of (or willingness to learn) electric meters.
• Able to perform fundamental mathematical operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
• Computer literacy sufficient to use maintenance technician software.

Soft Skills

• Clear communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to follow directions, ask questions, and actively listen.
• Eagerness to learn, coachable attitude, and initiative-taking.
• Reliable attendance and adherence to scheduled work hours.

Competencies

• Safety Awareness: Follows all safety protocols, including proper lockout/tagout procedures.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with other maintenance technicians and plant personnel.
• Problem-Solving: Assists in identifying equipment issues and contributing to resolution.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn new processes and tools; flexible with shifting priorities.

Working Conditions (Physical demands)

• Able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Must be willing and able to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and physical/drug screening.

Pay: $25-$29/hr.*

• The hourly rate as indicated in the CBA. The posted pay rate reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

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.