Plant Electrician

This job description is a summary of essential job functions and requirements necessary for the satisfactory performance of this position.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential job functions and requirements.

General Summary

Maintenance Mechanic "A" is responsible for the maintenance, installation, repair and upkeep of equipment, machinery, and the plant facility.  Advanced skills and experience necessary for working on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and computerized electronic controls.  This senior individual contributor may provide guidance and training to other maintenance mechanics.  Performs work under general supervision.

Essential Job Functions Coordinate maintenance and repairs with mill management to minimize lost production time. Continuously communicate with co-workers and supervisors about current assignments and effectively utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Work as part of a team to maximize efficiency and ensure safety while properly maintaining and repairing equipment and machinery. Demonstrate an effective level of knowledge of all plant equipment operations. Perform preventative maintenance, and both scheduled and unscheduled repairs on all machinery and equipment associated with: High Voltage Electrical Systems (MCC) Electronic Process Control Systems Pneumatic, Plumbing and Hydraulic Systems Boiler and Steam Distribution Systems Mechanical Systems involving gears, drives, motors, conveyors, and other components Review and effectively interpret facility electrical and mechanical blueprints. Read and follow operations manuals, manufacturer's instructions, engineering specifications, diagrams, and sketches. Gather and analyze information to diagnose malfunctions and troubleshoot systems. Inspect, repair and maintain machines, equipment, and facility in accordance with plans and procedures. Utilize advanced millwright skills and appropriate tools for cutting, welding, rigging, and installing. Utilize plumbing, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic skills and the appropriate tools. Guide, assist, and train other mechanics and operators in proper procedures and methods of repair and maintenance of machines, equipment, and facility. Demonstrate procedures and techniques to individuals and/or small groups of co-workers. May assist with organizing, scheduling and reviewing work of other mechanics to ensure proper methods. Continually monitor plant and equipment for faulty or dangerous conditions. Take initiative to recommend plant maintenance, repair and/or improvement needs to supervisor. Participate in training opportunities offered by Southern States to review safety requirements, learn and develop maintenance and repair techniques, increase familiarity with facility operations, and other skills to enhance job performance. Complete and maintain written reports, logs, documents, and update the CMMS accurately and in a timely manner according to standard operating procedures for documentation. Maintain clean and orderly work area by keeping tools and equipment in proper places and all materials off the floor. Perform all related cleaning of repair work areas and shop area. Properly dispose of waste material. Be proactive with cleaning efforts as facility may receive non-company personnel. Follow all requirements of mill Housekeeping Plan, Quality Control and HACCP Plans. Work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies. Perform all other job functions as assigned.
Education:  Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

Prefer certification or coursework in related industrial/skilled trade(s)

Experience:  Requires two (2) or more years of experience in diversified maintenance work including but not limited to industrial, manufacturing, mechanical machinery, electrical, hydraulic and/or pneumatic systems repair, with at least one (1) year of experience working in a feed mill or other production/quality management environment.  Also requires experience operating a fork lift and other industrial equipment.  Prefer experience operating a computerized maintenance system.  Previous Southern States work experience a plus.

Requirements Effective knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, hydraulic and pneumatic systems repair and maintenance Able to read and interpret blueprints and schematic symbols, operations manuals, manufacturer's instructions, engineering specifications, diagrams, and sketches Able to troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, plumbing (liquid and steam), hydraulic and pneumatic systems utilizing test instruments and specialized tools associated with these systems Able to cut, weld, and fabricate metal to repair equipment and facility Able to learn and understand how machines and processes work, including: gear drives, pulley systems, levers, chain drives, conveyors, elevator legs, screening systems, pellet mills, extruders, piping, plumbing, and boilers Able to operate personal computers and automated production and maintenance systems; able to troubleshoot and repair these systems with assistance Able to operate a fork lift, hand truck, pallet jack, and other industrial equipment Able to effectively communicate technical information and on-the-job training to individuals and/or small groups Able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; able to calculate dimensions, liquid measurements and calibrations Able to perform work with concentration, focus and attention to detail Able to complete paperwork, reports, documentation, and email communication in a legible, organized, and timely manner Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner Able to work in a fast paced team environment Able to work extended hours to meet business demands

Work Environment

Maintenance Mechanic "A" primarily performs essential job functions in an indoor environment that is not climate controlled and experiences temperature and humidity swings.  Job functions are occasionally performed outdoors where they may not be protected from weather conditions.  Performs work in an indoor climate controlled environment only on a limited basis.  Must utilize stairs to work on elevated floors and mezzanines.  Must operate and ride an open lift or small enclosed elevator, depending on location, to access floors in the tower.  May work on ladders or scaffolding.  May work in confined spaces.

Maintenance Mechanic "A" is frequently exposed to hazards including: Moving mechanical parts and vehicles Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan Dust, odors, and chemicals associated with the production of feed Electrical current, vibrations, fumes, lubricants and wet surfaces associated with the repair and maintenance of equipment in a feed mill

Maintenance Mechanic "A" primarily works an 8 hour shift Monday - Friday where overtime is required.  Must be able to work an alternate shift, schedule or weekend as determined by business need.  Ability to report to work in adverse weather conditions is required. 

Physical Activities & Requirements

While performing the essential job functions of this position, Maintenance Mechanic "A" is required to: Continuously balance, handle, stand and walk on concrete, asphalt, tile, and grated metal flooring; turn and twist head/neck and waist/back. Frequently bend, climb, crouch, manual dexterity (fingers and hands), kneel, stoop, reach with arms and hands; drive forklifts and utilize eye/hand/foot coordination; use hands and feet in repetitive motion. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 80 pounds. Occasionally , sit while in the control room or operating a fork lift, stack, shovel and sweep. Pull, push, lift, carry 80-100+ pounds, may be assisted.

Must be able to hear mill pages, co-workers, radio, and fine equipment sounds for troubleshooting and repairing.  Must be able to speak to co-workers regarding equipment repair and safety.  Must be able to utilize sense of smell when troubleshooting various systems for repair.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include:  close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 

Tools & Equipment

Hard hat, steel toed shoes required.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) provided and used per mill policy, including safety glasses, mask, canister respirator, face shield, ear plugs, gloves, safety knife, welding and chemical aprons, and fall prevention PPE;  Specialized tools related to repair and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and computerized electronic controls; Industrial equipment including fork lift, front end loader, pallet jack, and hand truck; Tools including handheld scanner, stretch wrap machine, scale, computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, manuals and forms, writing instrument, telephone, intercom.

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws or regulations.