Maintenance Technician

GardenCore; Paola (KS); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Growth opportunities

Job summary

GardenCore seeks an entry-level Maintenance Technician to support production at a mulch, soil, and rock bagging facility. You will perform basic maintenance, inspect equipment, and assist senior technicians across all seasons, gaining hands-on experience in mechanical tasks and safety procedures.

Ideal candidates have basic experience with spark plugs or lighting tasks, a reliable work ethic, and a passion for learning.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in mechanical work and willingness to learn new skills.
• Basic experience with spark plugs, lights, or similar maintenance tasks.
• Ability to follow directions and work well in a team.
• Reliable, punctual and safety-focused; prior industrial or outdoor work is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic maintenance and repairs
• Assist senior Maintenance with inspections and preventive maintenance for automation lines
• Support production equipment in mulch/soil/rock bagging facility for major retailers
• Troubleshoot and report mechanical issues
• Use hand and power tools safely and correctly
• Keep work areas clean and organized, including cleaning materials from lines
• Learn new skills through hands-on training and support peak production periods
• Install, adjust, and repair production equipment and machinery as assigned
• Operate tools to repair, grease, weld, cut, and replace parts
• Weld and use cutting torch as required
• Test and troubleshoot malfunctioning machinery and obtain approval for repairs
• Replace faulty parts, electrical components, and circuit boards
• Test equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Safety-conscious

Willingness to learn

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Welding equipment

Job description

GardenCore is seeking a motivated, dependable entry‑level Maintenance Technician who has hands‑on experience with basic mechanical and maintenance tasks (e.g., changing spark plugs, replacing lights/headlights, simple electrical motor swapping, pulleys, bearings, etc.) and a strong interest in learning more advanced skills. This position supports equipment and operations at a mulch, soil, sand, pea gravel, river rock, etc. production and bagging facility supplying major retail customers, with work performed year‑round through Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer in all types of weather. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in mechanical or industrial maintenance.

Job Type

Full-time

Responsibilities

• Perform basic maintenance and repairs
• Assist senior Maintenance with equipment inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance for automation lines that perform sorting, bagging, and packaging pallets
• Support production equipment used in mulch, soil, sand, pea gravel, river rock, etc. for major retail distribution
• Perform basic troubleshooting and report mechanical issues
• Use hand and power tools safely and correctly
• Maintain clean and organized work areas, including cleaning mulch, soil, pea gravel, etc. from line areas
• Follow all safety procedures and company policies
• Learn new mechanical and technical skills through hands‑on training
• Provide support during peak production periods across all seasons
• Install, adjust, and repair production equipment, heavy trucks and special purpose machines as assigned
• Operate a variety of hand and power tools to repair, grease, weld, cut, change parts and complete tasks as assigned
• Weld and use cutting torch as required
• Perform general repairs to plant structures
• Keep work area in a clean and orderly condition
• Test and troubleshoot malfunctioning machinery, determine repairs and discuss with Head Mechanic for approval and repair as needed
• Replace faulty parts, electrical wires, motors, controls and circuit boards
• Install equipment and electrical components and test to ensure proper functioning
• Dismantle equipment to gain access to and remove defective parts using hoists, cranes, hand tools, and power tools
• Replace and install parts as needed
• Lubricate and clean parts and equipment to ensure proper operation
• Other duties and responsibilities related to the nature of the job may be assigned on a temporary or permanent basis as needed

Requirements

• Strong interest in mechanical work and willingness to learn
• Basic experience changing spark plugs, headlights, or similar tasks
• Ability to follow directions and work well with a team
• Reliable, punctual, and safety‑focused
• Previous industrial, agricultural, manufacturing, or outdoor work experience is a plus but not required

Working Conditions

• Work is performed at a mulch, soil and pebble/rock bagging facility serving major retailers
• Must be willing to work in dirty, dusty, muddy and all types of outdoor environments along with covered environments that have some exposure to outdoor elements
• Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions throughout Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, including Sunshine, Heat, Rain, Snow, Sleet, Dust, Mud
• Exposure to outdoor elements, machinery, dust, forklifts, and industrial equipment
• Position requires year‑round availability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs.
• Manual dexterity to use tools and handle mechanical components

What GardenCore Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay of $-$/hr
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About GardenCore

GardenCore is a leading U.S. manufacturer of lawn and garden consumables, offering a broad portfolio of mulch, soil, stone, and lime products. The company has deep, long‑standing partnerships with major home improvement retailers and garden centers, and delivers consistent, high‑quality execution across large‑scale private label and branded programs. The company has over 1,400 employees and operates 58 manufacturing facilities across the United States.

GardenCore, is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

GardenCore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.