Lead Plant Maintenance Technician

Manatts; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatt's Inc. in Waterloo, Iowa is seeking a Lead Plant Maintenance Technician to oversee maintenance activities and lead a team of technicians. This role involves ensuring operational reliability, compliance with safety standards, and mentoring team members. Candidates should possess a strong background in maintenance, excellent communication skills, and a valid Class A CDL.

The ideal applicant has several years of relevant experience and a commitment to safety and efficiency in all job functions. We encourage qualified minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Qualifications

• Three to five years maintenance/fabrication related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and procedure manuals.
• Current IDOT Physical required.

Responsibilities

• Leads daily maintenance operations by assigning work and monitoring progress.
• Coordinates preventative maintenance, repairs, and project work.
• Provides technical expertise in diagnosing issues and performing advanced repairs.

Skills

Maintenance/fabrication experience

Strong verbal and written communication

Technical diagnostic skills

Ability to lead safety meetings

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid Class A CDL with airbrakes endorsement

Job description

Lead Plant Maintenance Technician

The Lead Plant Maintenance Technician (LPMT) is committed to safely doing everything we do better than anyone else. Acting as both a hands‑on technician and a team leader, the LPMT serves as the standard bearer for Manatt’s values, mission, purpose, and vision. This role is responsible for overseeing plant maintenance activities, mentoring Plant Maintenance Technicians, and coordinating with plant managers to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of producing plants. The LPMT also takes a lead role in plant construction, disassembly/rebuilding projects, and scheduling daily/weekly maintenance tasks.

• Leads daily maintenance operations by assigning work, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
• Coordinates with the Plant Maintenance Manager on scheduling preventative maintenance, repairs, and project work.
• Oversees inspections, servicing, and maintenance of assigned equipment to meet company efficiency, safety, cleanliness, and excellence standards.
• Ensures compliance of service trucks, cranes, and assigned vehicles with state and federal regulations, including inspections, certifications, and documentation.
• Provides technical expertise in diagnosing issues and performing advanced repairs, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
• Communicates proactively with plant managers to minimize unplanned outages and maximize plant uptime.
• Leads and participates in maintenance activities such as lubrication, adjustments, replacements (belts, bearings, pulleys, etc.), and fabrication.
• Operates and trains others on loaders, ready‑mix trucks, and other maintenance equipment as needed.
• Meets or exceeds company safety standards by operating vehicles in a safe manner and abiding by all State and Federal Department of Transportation traffic laws, rules and regulations.
• Observes and resolves obvious OSHA, EPA or MSHA violations or potential problems and reports them to plant manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Three to five years maintenance/fabrication related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, batching/dispatching programs, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to lead safety meetings and provide instructions to teams.
• Valid Class A CDL with airbrakes endorsement.
• Current IDOT Physical required.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.