Operations and Maintenance Lead ? 2nd/3rd split shift, 4-10s work schedule

Grassland Dairy Products; Town of Colfax (WI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Dental Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Weekly Pay through Direct Deposit

Double-time pay – Weekends

Paid Time Off

Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance

Hiring Bonus – $2,000 sign-on bonus

Job summary

Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. seeks an Operations and Maintenance Lead for the Colfax facility on a 2nd/3rd shift (4-10s). You will direct maintenance technicians, assign work orders, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while supporting production operations.

The role requires strong supervisory, communication, and problem-solving skills, plus hands-on experience with dairy processing equipment. A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in a maintenance or operations setting.
• Commitment to safety, GMPs, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and coordination with multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day maintenance activities and coordinate work orders.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Support production operations and provide direction during shifts.
• Maintain maintenance records and equipment documentation.
• Collaborate with QA, Food Safety, and Operations to meet objectives.

Skills

Maintenance Leadership

Safety Awareness

Problem Solving

Verbal & Written Communication

Supervisory Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Maintenance Technician Associate's or Industrial Technician Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Word

Excel

Access

Job description

Operations and Maintenance Lead � 2nd/3rd split shift, 4-10s work schedule

About the Organization Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of butter and dairy ingredients since 1904 and we are always looking to add to our team. With additional facilities across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Utah, Grassland is a key player in the dairy industry dedicated to producing high-quality products while maintaining a positive work environment for a driven, talent-filled team of employees.

Our company offers the most comprehensive benefits package in the area to our employees, generous paid time off, and competitive wages.

Operations and Maintenance Lead provides support to the Operations and Maintenance teams in the execution of maintenance activities and assigned tasks within their area of responsibility. This position oversees the day-to-day activities of maintenance technicians, assigns work, coordinates and manages work orders, ensures timely completion of repairs and preventive maintenance, evaluates equipment and system needs, and provides technical guidance to team members while prioritizing safety and adherence to company standards.

The Operations and Maintenance Lead is also responsible for supporting production operations and leading day-to-day operational activities when needed to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. In the absence of the Production Supervisor, the Lead will provide direction, leadership, and supervision to employees throughout the department, in accordance with company policies and procedures.

This position performs and coordinates preventive and corrective maintenance, supports equipment repairs, provides leadership and direction to production personnel, and works closely with Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Operations to support company objectives.

Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 pm to 6:00 am (3rd shift)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide and maintain a professional work environment.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on production and facility equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and utility systems.
• Flexible schedule when needed for special projects and installations
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment and facilities to identify maintenance needs.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and repair documentation.
• Coordinate with external contractors and service providers when necessary.
• Assist with installation, modification, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Maintain inventory of maintenance parts, tools, and supplies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Comply with applicable good manufacturing, safety and quality assurance practices
• Verify quality control items such as product composition, temperature, physical, and chemical properties.
• Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of equipment.
• Maintain proper documentation in all formats of recordkeeping.
• Demonstrate an understanding of products manufactured and the processes involved.
• Efficiently operate pasteurizers, nano-filtration, spray drying, and evaporator systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency and willingness to work in tight and confined spaces.
• Maintain necessary certification for operations of powered industrial equipment.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Operations Leadership Functions

• Lead and support daily operations activities and provide direction to operations personnel.
• Provide and maintain a professional work environment.
• Monitor production processes to ensure safety, quality, and productivity goals are achieved.
• Coordinate staffing, workflow, and resources to meet operational requirements.
• Absence relief for production staff, including during PTO and Vacation
• Serve as a point of contact between management, maintenance, QA, and production teams.
• Daily safety observations and quality monitoring, Assign and ensure follow through on Quality and Safety issues. (IFSA’s, USDA corrections, Internal audit corrections, Etc.)
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, GMPs, food safety programs, and sanitation requirements.
• Assist with employee training and development related to equipment operation and maintenance.
• Participate in shift handoffs and operational planning meetings.
• Maintain necessary certification for operations of powered industrial equipment.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a safe work environment.
• Follow all OSHA, food safety, quality, and environmental regulations.
• Participate in safety audits, investigations, and corrective action programs.
• Support compliance with HACCP, SF/FS, GMP, and other company food safety programs as applicable.
• Maintain necessary certification for operations of powered industrial equipment.

Compensation:

wage ranges from $27.00/hour to $32.00/hour with a $2.00/hour shift differential. Education, experience, and relevant qualifications will be taken into consideration.

Summary of Benefits:

• Health & Dental Insurance – 100% of premiums paid by the company with low deductibles.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – With 5% company match after 6 months of employment.
• Weekly Pay through Direct Deposit.
• Double-time pay – Weekends. (plant only)
• Paid Time Off – Includes vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance.
• YMCA membership rate reductions (Neillsville and Marshfield locations).
• Company-provided Life insurance coverage.
• Hiring Bonus – $2,000 sign-on bonus.
• Reimbursements – Safety Footwear and Glasses.
• Referral Bonuses – Earn rewards for bringing great people to the team.
• Professional Growth – Opportunities for training, advancement, and career development.

Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment testing.

A conviction record or pending charge will not automatically disqualify an applicant and will be evaluated based on job relevance in compliance with applicable laws.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt effectively within a continually changing and demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively to maintain high levels of safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Ability to read and comprehend standard operating procedures and company guidelines to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Strong analytical, mechanical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify equipment and system issues and determine appropriate repairs.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities when appropriate.
• Ability to plan and coordinate maintenance schedules for building systems and equipment.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software to complete reports, logs, inventory, and other required documentation.
• Basic computer knowledge, including Word, Access, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and support the goals and objectives established by supervision.
• Ability to operate and/or demonstrate a strong understanding of the majority of equipment within the Fluid Plant.
• Good understanding of department policies, processes, and products manufactured.
• Ability to demonstrate the responsibilities of a Qualified Individual for Preventive Controls.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree. (GED).
• Maintenance Technician Associates or Industrial Technician Degree, preferred.
• 2 years of experience in a maintenance technician role, preferred.
• 2 years experience in lead or supervisory role, preferred.

Category Manufacturing

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Location Colfax Plant

Shift Third

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.