Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice (SCC PartnershipNorth Mankato/Sleepy Eye)

Christensen Farms; Sleepy Eye (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Structured development path

Mentorship opportunities

Paid classroom training

Job summary

Christensen Farms in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, is seeking a Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice to start your skilled trades journey. This role offers hands-on training and mentorship from seasoned technicians while performing basic repairs and assisting with maintenance tasks.

Candidate must enroll in a training program, complete necessary OSHA certifications, and demonstrate a willingness to learn. In return, enjoy competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in an SCC program with paid classroom instruction.
• Register with the MN Dept. of Labor as an Unregistered Electrical Worker within one month of hire.
• Must complete OSHA 10 and NFPA 70E within six months.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry-level repairs and assist on job sites.
• Support basic carpentry, plumbing, and equipment handling.
• Participate in seasonal equipment prep and storage.
• Follow directions to execute farm maintenance tasks.
• Assist with general labor for project crews.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Reliability

Curiosity about mechanical and electrical systems

Ability to work safely in physical environments

Team player

Tools

Basic power and hand tools

Torch welder

Grinders

Saws

Job description

Christensen Farms is one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States, marketing approximately 3 million hogs per year. We are headquartered in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, and operate throughout the Midwest with nearly 1,000 employees and more than 1,500 contract partnerships.

Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice

Learn While You Earn – Start Your Skilled Trades Journey If you are passionate about fixing things, want to work with your hands, and are ready to build a future in a growing industry, this is your entry point. As a Maintenance & Reliability Apprentice, you will learn on the job, receive paid classroom training, and be mentored by seasoned technicians.

Position Overview & Responsibilities

In this learning-focused role, you will perform basic repairs, support general maintenance work, and begin mastering the fundamentals of the trade under the direct supervision of senior technicians. The schedule includes approximately 3 days of class work and 2 full days of on‑site work.

Major Areas of Accountability

• Perform entry-level repairs and assist on job sites
• Support basic carpentry, plumbing, and equipment handling
• Participate in seasonal equipment prep and storage
• Follow detailed directions to execute farm maintenance tasks
• Assist with general labor for project crews

Education, Training, And Experience Requirements

• No experience required
• Must be enrolled in an SCC program with paid classroom instruction
• Register with the MN Dept. of Labor as an Unregistered Electrical Worker within one month of hire
• Must complete OSHA 10 and NFPA 70E within six months

After successful completion of year one, apprentices will transition into Tech I upon meeting training and performance milestones.

Core Competencies

• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Reliability and a strong work ethic
• Curiosity about mechanical and electrical systems
• Ability to work safely in physical/agricultural environments
• Team player with a positive attitude

Tools & Equipment

Basic power and hand tools (under supervision), torch welder, grinders, saws, etc.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent standing, bending, reaching, climbing
• Work in outdoor and indoor farm environments, around livestock

What We Offer

• Structured development path with built‑in growth opportunities
• A collaborative team and supportive leadership
• Training, mentorship, and a clear future in skilled trades
• Opportunity to support the agriculture industry in a meaningful, hands‑on way
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, a flexible spending account (FSA), life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid time off bank, an employee assistance program (EAP), and more

Reports To

Maintenance & Reliability Branch Manager; receives task assignments from senior technicians under their direction.

Christensen Farms promotes a culture of inclusion and strives to attract a diverse set of candidates for each of our open positions. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and proudly offer employment and growth opportunities to all candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.