Maintenance Technician/Welder
Location: Granite Falls Energy
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Status: Full-time; must be willing and able to work day shift, Monday-Friday with on-call rotation (including weekends and evenings). Weekend availability will be based on the on-call schedule or any planned plant maintenance.
Starting Wage: $28.00/hr
SUMMARY
Maintenance team members are responsible for the safe and efficient repair, maintenance, and cleaning of all equipment associated with plant processes. They perform preventative and proactive maintenance tasks and are accountable for communicating any equipment issues or concerns to the Maintenance Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Remove, install, rebuild, fabricate, weld, torch, lubricate, align, and clean equipment associated with plant processes.
- Lay out, plan, fabricate, and install piping systems by interpreting blueprints, P&ID drawings, isometric drawings, and specifications to ensure proper alignment, support, and functionality.
- Measure, mark, cut, thread, bevel, bend, fit, and assemble pipe using hand tools, power tools, pipe cutters, threading machines, and fabrication equipment.
- Perform Stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), brazing, and oxy-acetylene welding for equipment repair, pipe fabrication, system modifications, and process tie-ins.
- Fabricate, install, and repair piping systems, including valves, flanges, reducers, elbows, hangers, supports, and other fittings for water, steam, compressed air, ethanol, natural gas, cooling water, chemical, and process piping systems.
- Secure piping and equipment using brackets, clamps, hangers, anchors, and other support systems to maintain mechanical integrity and minimize vibration and stress.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair plant equipment, including pumps, motors, gearboxes, conveyors, augers, bearings, valves, and other rotating and process equipment.
- Perform preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance in a safe and efficient manner to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
- Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair existing piping systems by identifying leaks, corrosion, wear, and alignment issues.
- Assist with plant shutdowns, equipment installations, process improvements, capital projects, and maintenance activities as assigned.
- Communicate equipment issues, maintenance needs, and unsafe conditions to the Maintenance Manager and collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and other departments to support safe and efficient plant operations.
- Learn and understand plant processes to improve equipment operation, reliability, and overall plant performance.
- Assist in developing preventative and proactive maintenance schedules and maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and equipment history in the Llumin CMMS.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of all required mechanical documentation.
- Initiate and carry out projects that improve equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and reduce maintenance and operating costs.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper care of welding equipment, tools, and maintenance equipment.
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work permits, fall protection, and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Report to work as scheduled, maintain consistent attendance, and complete assignments in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
- Maintain a cooperative team environment, demonstrate excellent customer service, and represent Granite Falls Energy professionally within the organization and community.
- Demonstrate Granite Falls Energy's core values of integrity, openness, trust, teamwork, commitment, and entrepreneurship.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Company Values
Must demonstrate the company’s mission and values through actions and work performance. Employees are expected to maintain high standards of business and personal ethics and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Honesty, integrity, and respect are required in fulfilling all responsibilities.
Communication
Must have the ability to actively listen and clearly communicate in English, both verbally and in writing. Must be able to gather pertinent information efficiently and communicate it professionally to the appropriate individuals. Must understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Decision Making
Must act decisively and use sound judgment. Must be able to assess problems, anticipate needs, evaluate alternatives, and effectively interpret departmental and company policies and objectives.
Interpersonal Relationships
Must interact consistently and professionally with others. Must demonstrate tact and diplomacy, accept constructive feedback, exclude personal biases from work performance, and promote a cooperative team environment. Must maintain positive working relationships with employees, external organizations, and the public.
Quality of Work
Must produce accurate, high-quality work within budget constraints. Must manage time effectively and maintain productivity.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Post-secondary education and/or technical certifications are beneficial.
- Ability to read blueprints is required.
- Knowledge of maintenance procedures for centrifuges, drying equipment, boilers, cooling towers, chillers, air compressors, pumps, valves, electrical circuits, and 4–20 milliamp instrumentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; willingness to learn new software applications. Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as Llumin preferred.
- Experience with fabrication, welding, and cutting; repair of pumps, gearboxes, agitator assemblies, and valves; boiler operations and water chemistry; material handling systems such as conveyors; preventative and proactive maintenance practices; fabrication and repair of metal and plastic piping systems; and basic instrumentation and electrical work preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to multitask and work effectively within a team environment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is largely self-directed and requires an understanding of company policies, procedures, and values. Team members must adhere to all safety requirements in all work environments.
This position operates in both office and plant environments. In the office, the team member will work at a personal computer. In the plant and/or field environment, the team member may be exposed to noise, vibration, heat, wet or humid conditions, chemicals, and varying weather conditions. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, and high noise levels is common.
Physical Requirements
- Occasionally work in confined spaces.
- Occasionally lift up to 60 pounds.
- Climb stairs and ladders regularly.
- Open and operate valves.
- Bend, twist, and turn while lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Perform data entry while seated for periods exceeding one hour.
- Walk two or more miles per day.
- Push brooms, shovels, and similar tools.
- Work at heights, in confined spaces, and in temperatures ranging from -20°F to +100°F.
- Stand for extended periods of time.
- Perform elevated work as required.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during semiannual maintenance shutdowns.
Granite Falls Energy, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
