Plant Maintenance Tech - Electrical & Mechanical, 1st Shift

KENT Nutrition; Sheldon (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

KENT Nutrition in Sheldon, IA is seeking a Maintenance Technician on 1st shift (6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., M-F) to maintain plant equipment and buildings.

Ideal candidates have formal training or experience as a millwright, industrial maintenance tech, electrician, or welder and are proficient with electrical testing tools, PLC I/O, VFDs, and reading schematics.

This role emphasizes safety, cGMP/FSMA familiarity, and proactive maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure asset reliability.

Qualifications

• Adequate formal training or past working experience as a millwright, industrial maintenance technician, electrician, and/or welder.
• Strong knowledge of feed mill operations and electrically driven processing equipment.
• Extensive working knowledge of shop, power, and hand tools, maintenance equipment, and electrical testing devices (multimeters, clamp meters, etc.)
• Strong ability to recognize, diagnose, and troubleshoot electrical systems, including single- and three-phase power, motors, motor controls, VFDs, PLC I/O (basic), sensors, and safety circuits
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings
• Mechanically and electrically inclined with strong problem-solving skills
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, including maintenance records and logs
• Good communication, verbal, written, and math skills
• Reliable, self-motivated, requires minimal supervision, and strives for continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently and cooperate effectively with all fellow employees and departments
• Ability to perform all work in compliance with OSHA standards, electrical safety regulations, and plant safety requirements
• Thorough understanding of cGMPs
• Knowledge of HACCP Feed & Food Safety Plan and FSMA
• Ability to lift a minimum of 55 lbs. from floor to working height as job requires
• Must demonstrate strong verbal communication skills in English

Responsibilities

• Monitor factors that may influence the quality and safety of the finished feed and ingredients
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan timeline that includes mechanical, electrical, and control system equipment, with clear instructions and tasks to be performed
• Establish and conduct regularly scheduled inspections of all equipment items, including motors, drives, panels, sensors, and power distribution components, in accordance with the maintenance plan, noting condition and required corrective actions
• Ensure proper building, electrical infrastructure, and housekeeping maintenance for the safety of employees
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical problems throughout the plant, including motors, conveyors, VFDs, starters, limit switches, and basic control circuits
• Perform or coordinate electrical inspections, repairs, and upgrades in compliance with OSHA, NFPA, and local electrical codes
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all work performed, including electrical repairs, inspections, and modifications, and manpower time distribution
• Be proactive in the mechanical and electrical/technical needs of equipment maintenance to minimize downtime
• Maintain “Equipment Data Sheet” files for each item of plant equipment, including electrical specifications, labor and parts costs, and continuously improve the tag and identification system for all spare parts
• Ensure adequate supply of electrical components, food-grade lubricants, equipment parts, and tools are maintained in inventory
• Organize and maintain operator manuals, electrical schematics, and parts lists for all equipment in the facility
• Practice and enforce good safety procedures in all work performed, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety practices
• Follow and enforce plant policies, rules, and guidelines
• Oversee and ensure all maintenance tasks, including electrical work performed by operators or contractors, are completed safely and documented properly
• Communicate operating condition, efficiency, and electrical reliability issues of all equipment to the Plant Manager
• Other tasks as assigned

Skills

Millwright

Industrial maintenance

Electrician

Welder

Electrical troubleshooting

VFDs

PLC I/O (basic)

Reading schematics

Safety compliance

Tools

Multimeters

Clamp meters

Electrical testing devices

Job description

KENT Nutrition in Sheldon, IA is seeking a Maintenance Technician on 1st shift (6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., M-F) to maintain plant equipment and buildings.

Ideal candidates have formal training or experience as a millwright, industrial maintenance tech, electrician, or welder and are proficient with electrical testing tools, PLC I/O, VFDs, and reading schematics.

This role emphasizes safety, cGMP/FSMA familiarity, and proactive maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure asset reliability.