Company Overview
Columbia Fruit Packers has been dedicated to delivering the highest quality fruit to the marketplace since 1946. As such, this position supports production by minimizing downtime through preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement efforts. The Line Mechanic works closely with production supervisors, operators, and management to maintain equipment performance while ensuring compliance with food safety and workplace safety requirements.
Job Overview
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Line Technician/Mechanic to join our team.
Duties
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and conveyor systems.
- Perform preventative maintenance and emergency repairs on packing line equipment and facility machinery.
- Troubleshoot electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, sensors, relays, switches, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
- Inspect, replace, and maintain motors, rollers, bearings, chains, belts, sprockets, gearboxes, lights, and other mechanical components.
- Diagnose and repair issues with sizers, conveyors, bagging equipment, automated packing systems, and fruit handling equipment.
- Troubleshoot and maintain Sims baggers, Haley baggers, and related packaging equipment.
- Identify, calibrate, troubleshoot, and replace sensors and control devices. Perform welding, fabrication, machining, and equipment modifications as needed.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals. Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, welders, and diagnostic instruments.
- Assist with installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and production lines. Respond quickly to production breakdowns and work with operators to minimize downtime.
- Maintain maintenance records, preventative maintenance schedules, repair logs, and parts inventories. Safely handle chemicals, lubricants, cleaners, refrigerants, and maintenance supplies.
- Follow all food safety, GMP, SQF, lockout/tagout (LOTO), safety, and company procedures.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED preferred; technical or vocational training preferred.
- 3+ years of maintenance or mechanic experience in fruit packing, food processing, manufacturing, or industrial environments preferred.
- Knowledge of electrical systems, PLC troubleshooting, hydraulics, pneumatics, conveyors, sensors, and motor controls.
- Experience troubleshooting VFDs, automation systems, and production equipment preferred.
- Experience with fruit packing equipment such as Compac, Unitec, Greefa, Aweta, Sims Baggers, Haley Baggers, or similar equipment preferred.
- Welding, fabrication, and machine repair experience preferred.
- Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment independently and prioritize multiple repairs in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and work in elevated areas. Ability to work in varying temperatures, including cold storage and outdoor conditions.
- Ability to safely operate maintenance equipment, hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a fruit packing warehouse, maintenance shop, cold storage rooms, and production environments.
- Exposure to moving machinery, noise, dust, moisture, cleaning chemicals, and varying temperatures.
- Must be available to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during harvest and peak production seasons.
- May be required to participate in an on-call rotation to respond to equipment breakdowns. Food Safety Responsibilities
- Comply with all food safety, sanitation, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements.
- Report food safety concerns immediately to management. Maintain equipment in a manner that supports food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance. Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
