Lead Maintenance Specialist

Ivy & Karma, Inc.; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement benefits

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Ivy & Karma, Inc. is seeking a Lead Maintenance Specialist to ensure reliability of oat milling production lines and boiler systems.

You will monitor boilers, perform startups/shutdowns, maintain logs, and uphold food safety and regulatory standards on a facilities-wide basis. Responsibilities include preventive maintenance of milling equipment, completing work orders, and coordinating with Milling, Quality, Packaging, and Operations to meet production goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in grain milling, food manufacturing, or industrial operations preferred.
• Valid Boiler Operator Certification or license, where required by local/regulatory authorities.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read gauges, logs, procedures, and operating manuals.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to operate mobile equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor boiler systems that supply steam and heat for oat processing operations.
• Monitor boiler pressure, temperature, water levels, and fuel systems to ensure safe operation.
• Perform boiler startup, shutdown, and daily safety inspections per procedures.
• Maintain boiler operating logs and required documentation.
• Respond to alarms or abnormal conditions and report issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with boiler safety regulations and company policies.
• Perform maintenance on oat milling production systems per manufacturer specifications.
• Complete work orders and track parts usage in the maintenance system.
• Follow food safety, HACCP, and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Adhere to occupational health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Assist with handling and movement of raw materials and finished products.
• Collaborate with Milling, Quality, Packaging, and Operations to support production goals.

Job description

The Lead Maintenance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of oat milling production lines and associated boiler systems. This position supports efficient facility operations while maintaining compliance with all applicable food safety, occupational health and safety, and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor boiler systems that supply steam and heat for oat processing operations.
• Monitor boiler pressure, temperature, water levels, and fuel systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Perform boiler startup, shutdown, and daily safety inspections in accordance with approved procedures.
• Maintain accurate boiler operating logs and all required documentation.
• Respond promptly to alarms or abnormal operating conditions and report issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable boiler safety regulations, licensing requirements, and company policies.
• Perform maintenance activities and inspections on oat milling production systems, including receiving, cleaning, hulling, flaking, grinding, and packaging equipment, in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Complete detailed work orders and maintain accurate records of parts usage within the designated maintenance management system.
• Follow all food safety, quality, HACCP, and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Adhere to all occupational health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Assist with the handling and movement of raw materials and finished products as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with Milling, Quality, Packaging, and Operations teams to support production goals.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Experience in grain milling, food manufacturing, or industrial operations preferred.
• Valid Boiler Operator Certification or license, where required by local or regulatory authorities
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret gauges, logs, procedures, and operating manuals
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Effective communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to operate mobile equipment.

Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Exposure to outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform elevated work from platforms, ladders, and scaffolding as required.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in all production areas of the facility.
• This position requires extended periods of walking, standing, and moving throughout the facility.
• Occasional extended hours, weekends, and/or on-call availability may be required to support plant operations and workforce needs.
• Employees must be clean-shaven when performing tasks that require respiratory protection.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits
• Opportunities for advancement and professional development