COMPANY OVERVIEW
Buddy’s Kitchen was started in 1974 by our founder Buddy ‘Nils” Eian. Our first product was a handmade omelet for airlines that we still make today. We specialize in frozen, ready-to-eat food and great customer relationships. Most of our business is developing quality custom food products for our customers.
Our Mission
To deliver unique foods through agile innovation and flexible manufacturing processes.
Buddy’s Kitchen Core Values
- Customer Focus – Exceeding our customers' expectations.
- Communicate Honestly- The Good AND the Bad.
- Own it – Be accountable & deliver on your commitments.
- Passion- For continuous improvement.
- Team Spirit – Supportive, healthy internal relationships.
ROLE
SUMMARY
The Boiler Operator / Facilities Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of high-pressure steam boiler systems and facility infrastructure. This position supports manufacturing operations by maintaining critical utilities, building systems, and facility equipment while ensuring compliance with all regulatory agencies, including but not limited to USDA, OSHA, FDA, EPA, local government agencies, independent auditors chosen by the company, and the company's own stated quality standards. This role performs preventative and corrective maintenance activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Monitor and operate high-pressure steam boiler systems.
- Maintain boiler logs, water treatment records, inspections, and operating documentation.
- Perform routine boiler testing, blowdowns, and preventative maintenance procedures.
- Troubleshoot and repair boiler, steam, condensate, and utility systems.
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on facility equipment and infrastructure.
- Maintain and repair plumbing, lighting, doors, dock equipment, compressed air systems, and other building systems.
- Assist with HVAC system monitoring and basic maintenance activities.
- Maintain maintenance records and PM schedules.
- Respond to facility and utility-related issues in a fast-paced, time-critical environment.
- Participate in equipment installations, facility improvements.
- Assist in managing outside contractors working on facility projects and repairs.
- Identify and communicate safety, quality, and facility concerns.
- Practice continuous improvement concepts in all aspects of maintenance.
- Adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
- Adherence to SQF (Safe Quality Food).
- Adherence to all food safety and safety policies.
- Regular and predictable attendance.
- Maintain behaviors that support our CORE VALUES.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Technical training in maintenance, facilities, boiler operation, HVAC, industrial maintenance, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of industrial maintenance, facilities maintenance, or boiler operation experience preferred.
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
- Operator 1 course completion through Garden City Ammonia Program or RETA CARO certification.
- Chief Class B boilers license.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Minnesota 2nd Class B Boiler License or higher.
- Ability to maintain required licensing and certifications.
Working Conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the Associate is frequently required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The ability to use inventory and other computer programs, including keyboarding is required. The Associate must be able to move around the facility to inspect and observe for proper operations. The Associate is occasionally required to climb or balance, kneel, and crouch. The Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those Associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Associate is occasionally exposed to extreme cold or heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually low, but does approach OSHA PEL in certain areas of the facility.
REQUIRED TRAINING
This position requires training in Good Manufacturing Practices critical to the effective implementation of the Food Safety Plan and the maintenance of food safety, quality, and process efficiency. Training is also required on how to identify food safety issues such as temperature control, cross-contamination, sanitation, and cleanliness of the lines, etc., critical to the effective implementation of the Food Safety Plan and the maintenance of food safety, quality, and process efficiency.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Life insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- 401(K) Match
- Employee assistance Program (EAP)
Buddy’s Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer who provides employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other area prohibited by applicable laws and regulations.
Schedule: Monday – Friday
Ability to commute/relocate: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Electrical troubleshooting: 1 year (Preferred)
- Manufacturing maintenance: 5 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Chief Class B boilers license (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Lakeville, MN 55044 (Required)
Work Location: In person
