1. POSITION INFORMATION
Position Title: Senior Maintenance Mechanic
Department: Maintenance
Works With: Maintenance Coordinator
Location: Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers, 896 O’Banion Rd. Yuba City, CA
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
2. POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing processing, pasteurization, sorting, and utility systems within a walnut processing facility. This role supports safe, continuous, and compliant plant operations, including food safety-critical and validated Log 5 lethality equipment. The position works closely with Maintenance, Production, and FSQA to minimize downtime, protect validated processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. This is a senior-level mechanic role requiring strong mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic troubleshooting skills and independent judgment. Must provide own tools and equipment customarily required by the trade.
3. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Processing & Utility Equipment Maintenance
1. Maintain and repair walnut shellers, sorting lines, sizing equipment, conveyors, elevators, and related infrastructure
2. Maintain laser and optical sorting equipment to ensure accurate defect detection and separation
3. Support operation and maintenance of boilers in coordination with licensed operators
4. Maintain reverse osmosis (RO) water systems including membranes, filters, pumps, and controls
5. Maintain pasteurization systems and associated thermal components, controls, and monitoring instrumentation
Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Reliability
6. Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on processing and utility systems
7. Troubleshoot equipment failures and implement corrective repairs
8. Identify recurring equipment issues and recommend long-term solutions
9. Support validated Log 5 lethality processes by ensuring equipment reliability
- Food Safety, Safety & Compliance
10. Perform work in compliance with GMPs, HACCP, FSMA Preventive Controls, and validated Log 5 requirements
11. Follow Cal/OSHA safety standards including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work permits, and PPE requirements
12. Immediately escalate conditions that may impact food safety or regulatory compliance
Documentation & Communication
13. Maintain accurate maintenance logs and repair documentation
14. Utilize and support the facility Red Tag Program
15. Communicate equipment status and downtime risks to Maintenance Coordinator, Production, and FSQA
16. Assist in SOP and Work Instruction creation for safe operation of equipment
17. Assist with implementation of PM program
18. Proficient in the Microsoft Office
19. Able to perform routine inspection, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of ammonia refrigeration and cold storage systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation.
4. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have direct reports but may provide technical guidance to junior maintenance personnel or temporary staff.
5. QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED required
- 5+ years of industrial, agricultural, or food processing maintenance experience required
- Experience supporting food safety-critical or validated process equipment required
- Experience in nut processing or similar agricultural processing environment preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills
- Working knowledge of boilers, RO systems, and food processing equipment
- Ability to read technical manuals, electrical schematics, and process documentation
- Ability to observe details at close range
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment
Certifications / Licenses
- Boiler Operator Certification preferred or willingness to obtain
Bilingual Requirements
- English required; Spanish proficiency preferred
6. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing ladders
- Constantly operates tools for extended periods
- Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated areas
7. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed primarily in a walnut processing facility and may include outdoor weather. Conditions may include exposure to dust, noise, moving mechanical parts, temperature variations (including cold storage areas), and wet environments. Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
8. SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
Employees must comply with all Company safety policies and procedures, including applicable Cal/OSHA regulations, food safety programs (GMP, HACCP, FSMA), and safe operation of equipment.
9. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable federal and California law.
10. DISCLAIMER
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Employment remains at-will.
