Position Summary
The Maintenance Lead is a hands-on working lead technician responsible for maintaining the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all dairy farm facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. The majority of the role is spent performing maintenance activities, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and equipment improvements, while some time will be dedicated to scheduling and coordinating maintenance activities.
This position requires a highly skilled multi-craft maintenance professional capable of diagnosing and repairing a wide variety of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam, and automated systems. The Maintenance Lead also supports scheduling maintenance activities, coaching technicians, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and communicating daily maintenance priorities and accomplishments to the Facilities Maintenance Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Maintenance & Technical Responsibilities
- Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all dairy farm equipment and facility systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems including:
- Motors
- Motor controls
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Sensors
- Control panels
- Electrical distribution systems
- Diagnose and repair PLC-based automation systems.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals.
- Troubleshoot mechanical failures involving pumps, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, mixers, fans, and compressors.
- Repair and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Perform welding, cutting, brazing, and fabrication of equipment and structural components.
- Maintain and troubleshoot steam generation and steam distribution systems.
- Install new equipment and assist with capital improvement projects.
- Complete preventative maintenance inspections and document findings.
- Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records within the CMMS or maintenance tracking system.
- Assist in developing preventative maintenance procedures and equipment standards.
- Support emergency maintenance response as needed.
- Maintain inventory of commonly used maintenance parts and notify management of reorder needs.
- Operate lifts, forklifts, and other maintenance equipment safely.
- Support facility improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead Responsibilities
- Coordinate daily maintenance assignments and work priorities.
- Provide technical guidance and coaching to maintenance technicians.
- Assist with employee training and skill development.
- Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are completed on time.
- Monitor work quality and provide constructive feedback.
- Assist with scheduling contractor work and vendor support.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company safety policies.
- Conduct routine inspections of completed work.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations as requested.
- Assist the Facilities Maintenance Manager with planning outages and major repairs.
- Communicate equipment status and maintenance priorities across departments.
Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Technical school, vocational training, or associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
Experience
- 7+ years of industrial maintenance experience required.
- Experience in agricultural, dairy, food manufacturing, industrial processing, or similar environments preferred.
- Previous experience leading or supervising team members is preferred.
- Possess strong multi-craft maintenance abilities including:
Electrical
· Industrial electrical systems (120V–480V), motor controls, electrical troubleshooting, VFDs, sensors, control circuits, electrical safety practices
PLC & Automation
· PLC troubleshooting, input/output diagnostics, HMI familiarity, automated control systems
Mechanical
· Pumps, bearings, gearboxes, shafts, chains, belts, conveyors, mechanical alignments
Hydraulic Systems
· Hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and valves, hose replacement, system troubleshooting
Pneumatic Systems
· Air compressors and cylinders, solenoid valves, regulators, pneumatic controls
Welding & Fabrication
· MIG welding, stick welding, basic TIG preferred, cutting, grinding, fabrication, structural repairs
Steam Systems
· Steam piping and valves, traps, heat exchangers, condensate systems, boiler support systems
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance activities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong leadership and coaching skills.
- Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
- Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
- Ability to perform emergency repairs under time constraints.
- Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
Work Schedule
- Monday through Friday from 6am to 4pm, and one weekend per month.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently lift up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, and climb for extended periods.
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Climb ladders and work from elevated platforms.
- Work in dusty, wet, noisy, and agricultural environments.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hours as needed.
Working Conditions
- Dairy farm environment.
- Exposure to livestock areas, manure handling systems, washdown operations, and outdoor weather conditions.
- Exposure to electrical systems, steam, moving machinery, chemicals, and noise.
- Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
