Job Description

This is a great opportunity to establish yourself in a secure company with a 75+ year history of success. We are proud to be comprised of more than 800 farm families throughout the Midwest. Since 1938, we have been producing high quality products for you and your family.  At Prairie Farms Dairy, you’ll become part of a dedicated team that manufactures and packages superior dairy products. We offer full-time schedules with great benefits that include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, short term disability, and pension. You’ll also enjoy paid time off.

Our Sioux Falls plant produces hundreds of thousands of gallons of local milk and delivers throughout South Dakota and parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wyoming.  We are a tight-knit group with a family feel.  We are proud of who we are and where we come from and enjoy helping our community.  

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Work Schedule:  

Mon. – Fri.    2 AM – 10:30 AM  With night differential of $.30 per hour

Job Description: 

The Plant Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for the care and maintenance of all property and production assets in a safe, sanitary and efficient condition. The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for staying up to date on new products, equipment, technology and techniques.      

• Ensure operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing maintenance requirements (both planned and unplanned) on production, packaging, processing equipment, and utility systems (to provide a continuous supply of heat, steam, cooling, electrical, power, gas, or air required for operations). 
• Readily available for emergency repairs in breakdown situations 
• Read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, electrical schematics, service manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance and service 
• Performing preventative maintenance (i.e. conducting computerized preventative maintenance check-ups or reading SPC charts and data) 
• Line manufacturing support systems (ozone generation, line/lube delivery, chemical delivery, ingredient delivery, PH house) 
• Complete work orders in a timely manner maintaining high quality standards 
• Use a variety of hand and power tools, electric meters and material handling equipment in performing duties 
• Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production. 
• Ensure all paperwork is filled out in a clear, legible and accurate format, and completed with required information. Ensure all required information is documented in accordance with SOP’s. 
• Assist in maintaining parts and supplies inventory by reporting low supply levels to Supervisor.        
• Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assisting in identifying opportunities to improve processes. 
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices. Maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area. 
• Follow all required work safe practices. This would include lockout-tagout requirements and wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, confined space safety, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.  
• Responsible for food safety, pre*requisite programs and food quality related to designated area. 
• Report any food safety and food quality related issues to management immediately. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements:  

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.  
• Must be able to pass all pre-employment screens (including drug, skills aptitude tests, background, and criminal checks)
• Formal Engineering/Maintenance Training desired 
• No experience required with certificate, 1 year minimum experience in a maintenance role within a manufacturing facility, preferably food and beverage industry. 
• 1 year minimum experience with one or more technical experiences:  Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, computer controlled equipment, PLC and HVAC 
• 1 year minimum experience on a variety of equipment including lubricating, cleaning, material handling, motor control, relay control, process control and packaging equipment. 
• Professional experience with ammonia refrigeration systems preferred. 
• Ability to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems and independently take appropriate corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment down time. 
• Must be able to stand, walk, kneel and bend required for virtually the entire shift.  
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.     
• Must be able to work in a wet environment with moderate to high noise volume. 
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime, weekends and holidays. 
• Be able to effectively work in a team environment. Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 

 Prairie Farms considers marijuana (including medical marijuana) to be an illegal drug. Prairie Farms will rescind offers of employment to applicants who test positive for marijuana (unless restricted from doing so by state or local law). Prairie Farms 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, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.