Maintenance Tech - Build Biochar & Renewable Energy

Nourishing Burn; Stuttgart (AR); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cold Steppe is seeking a Maintenance & Operations Technician to keep AR-1 running in Stuttgart, Arkansas. You\'ll perform preventive maintenance on the rotary kiln and related biomass-to-biochar systems, troubleshoot issues, and help build the maintenance program as the first dedicated maintenance hire.

You will lead safety procedures, coordinate with engineering and outside vendors, and train floor technicians while growing with the company. Strong hands-on maintenance experience is essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on industrial maintenance in manufacturing, processing, agricultural, or heavy-equipment settings.
• Willingness to learn new systems and processes.
• A firm understanding of PPE uses and requirements.
• Multi-craft skills across mechanical systems and industrial electrical equipment up to 480V.
• Ability to read schematics, mechanical drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Working welding and fabrication skills (MIG/stick).
• A safety-first mindset and working knowledge of LOTO and OSHA safety practices.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work at heights and in tight spaces.
• A team-first attitude, AR-1\'s first crew sets the tone for every site that follows.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance on plant equipment, including the rotary kiln, augers, conveyors, hoppers, bucket elevators, blowers, dust collection, and heat-recovery systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical controls, hydraulic, and pneumatic issues, and know when to repair in place vs. escalate or bring in a specialist.
• Respond to breakdowns and callouts quickly, coordinating with Floor Technicians and Shift Supervision to minimize downtime.
• Weld, fabricate, and modify parts, guards, and supports to keep equipment running and safe.
• Help build and maintain AR-1\'s preventive maintenance program, including PM schedules and records.
• Track and manage critical spare parts and maintenance supplies for timely availability.
• Lead and follow lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and other safety procedures on every job.
• Coordinate with outside vendors and contractors during repairs, installs, and planned shutdowns.
• Train Floor Technicians on basic equipment care and first-line checks.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Reading schematics

Welding

OSHA safety

Driver's license

Lift 50 lbs

Team player

Tools

PLCs

VFDs

Instrumentation

Job description

Cold Steppe is seeking a Maintenance & Operations Technician to keep AR-1 running in Stuttgart, Arkansas. You\'ll perform preventive maintenance on the rotary kiln and related biomass-to-biochar systems, troubleshoot issues, and help build the maintenance program as the first dedicated maintenance hire.

You will lead safety procedures, coordinate with engineering and outside vendors, and train floor technicians while growing with the company. Strong hands-on maintenance experience is essential.