Lead IT Specialist

Prestage Farms; Eagle Grove (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &amp

Retirement Plan (401k)

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary &

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick)

Short Term Disability

Job summary

Prestage Farms is seeking a Lead IT Specialist to be the on-site point of contact for IT systems at our pork-processing facility. You will supervise the local IT team, coordinate with Corporate IT, and ensure reliable operation of production-critical technologies including weighing, labeling, traceability, stun, QA, shipping, maintenance, PCs, printers, and core network infrastructure.

The role emphasizes leadership, hands-on IT support, and collaboration with corporate IT, with responsibilities

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Computer Information Technology or equivalent practical experience.
• 4+ years of hands-on IT support/administration (industrial or manufacturing setting preferred).
• Industry certifications welcomed but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site IT leadership for a pork-processing facility's systems.
• Supervise the local IT team, assign tasks, and design shift schedules.
• Mentor and train IT Specialists; document SOPs and best practices.
• Participate in recruiting and onboarding to build a high‑performance team.
• Coordinate with Corporate IT on new technologies and plant start-ups.
• Lead root-cause investigations and drive preventive actions.
• Evaluate solutions, propose upgrades, and report to Corporate IT.
• Troubleshoot and repair PCs, printers, and network/industrial equipment.
• Oversee vendors on-site and maintain full infrastructure documentation.
• Perform additional tasks to support plant operations.

Skills

Problem solver

Leadership

IT installation/repair

MS Office & Windows

Low voltage/Electrical

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree in Computer Information Technology

4+ years IT support experience

Tools

Windows Server

Traceability software

MES systems (e.g., Carlisle Symphony Traceability, Marel Inova)

Job description

The Lead IT Specialist is the primary on‑site contact for all IT systems supporting our pork‑processing facility. You will supervise the local IT team, coordinate with Corporate IT, and ensure the reliable operation of production‑critical technologies. (weighing, labeling, traceability, stun, QA, shipping, maintenance, PCs, printers, and core network infrastructure).

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Oversight
• Assign daily tasks, set priorities, and design shift schedules that maximize coverage while controlling overtime
• Mentor, coach, and train IT Specialists; document and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Participate in recruiting and onboarding to build a cohesive, high‑performance team
• Systems Support & Improvement
• Coordinate implementation of new technologies and plant start‑ups with Corporate IT
• Lead root‑cause investigations for IT incidents and drive preventive actions
• Evaluate existing solutions, recommend upgrades, and provide regular feedback to Corporate IT
• Operational Execution
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain PCs, printers, network gear, and industrial IT equipment
• Oversee contractors and vendors performing IT‑related work on‑site
• Maintain accurate documentation of infrastructure, wiring, and configurations
• Other Duties
• Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned to support plant operations

Core Competencies

• Proven problem‑solver and self‑starter; able to thrive in a fast‑paced production environment
• Hands‑on skills in computer, printer, and network installation/repair
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Windows OS, Windows Server, and traceability software
• Strong low‑voltage and basic electrical aptitude (fiber optic testing, circuit fundamentals)
• Natural leadership with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Service‑oriented mindset and effective team collaboration

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Computer Information Technology (or related field) OR equivalent practical experience
• 4+ years of hands‑on IT support/administration (industrial or manufacturing setting preferred)
• Industry/vendor certifications are welcomed but not required

Preferred Technical Background

• Carlisle Symphony Traceability, Marel Inova, or other production floor MES
• Windows Server, Windows Desktop (incl. Windows Embedded)
• SQL Server administration
• Mobile‑Device Management (MDM)
• Ubiquiti/UniFi networking
• Physical access‑control systems
• IP Camera systems
• Low‑voltage and fiber optic cabling/testing

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick)
• Short Term Disability