Maintenance Technician

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for all aspects of plant maintenance to ensure all equipment and facilities are operating properly. Repair and maintain machinery and mechanical equipment such as motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machines and equipment. Maintain documentation related to maintenance tasks.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow all safety policies and procedures as specified in the Nichols Farms Handbook as well as safety processes as established by supervisors and managers. To include the following:

• • Follow lockout/tagout procedures when working on any equipment/machinery with a power sources (electrical, hydraulic or tension).
  • Ensure all forms are filled out properly and all environmental readings are completed prior to entering Confined Space.

• Ensure all maintenance personnel are following safety procedures.

• • Train maintenance personnel in proper safety procedures.
  • Inform Maintenance Manager/Supervisor of all safety issues immediately.

• Check facility weekly for electrical and safety hazards.

• • Check all equipment for missing electrical covers, frayed cords or other electrical issues and repair immediately.
  • Check all equipment for missing guards, covers, open panels, etc. and repair immediately.
  • Repair and maintain machinery and equipment as directed by Management.
  • Repair equipment and machinery at the time of breakdown to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
  • Perform PM on equipment and machinery (greasing, lubing, tightening belts and chains, replacing sprockets and other minor adjustment) to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.

• Perform electrical troubleshooting and installation on equipment and machinery as needed.
• Clean work areas of all tools, parts, materials and product from job site immediately upon project completion and place in proper storage area.
• Clean all man baskets of all product and materials after use.

• • Remove all product from floor and storage basket and dispose of properly.
  • Remove all tools, parts and other materials from floor and storage basket and place in proper storage areas.

• Conduct regular inspection of equipment for wear and for conformance to specifications and complete request for Maintenance Work Orders.

• Perform all duties in accordance with Quality and GMP (good manufacturing practices) established company policies and procedures.

• Support and participate in ERP, Continuous Improvement Teams and Lean initiatives.
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.

JOB ATTRIBUTES:

• Detail Orientated: Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build relationships with co-workers and external customers
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills
• Prioritization: Ability to quickly prioritize among numerous pressing tasks and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Initiative: Ability to perform in a fast paced ever-changing work environment
• Goal Orientation: Attention to establishing and achieving goals and objectives for self and team on a continuous basis.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change in the workplace. Capable of functioning in a fast-paced environment.
• Motivation: Ability to be self-motivated and independently driven. Ability to lead and encourage team by inspiring and guiding toward goal achievement.
• Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Active participant in continuous improvement initiatives and goals. Seeks opportunities to improve self and processes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Two to four years of practical experience in maintenance field, preferably in food production setting. Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) license preferred.
• Experience in maintenance support, including welding and understanding of maintenance related processes and procedures.
• Strong mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting skills.
• Pneumatics, hydraulics, motors, pumps and gearbox repairs experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand for periods of time at work station, climb stairs, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.

The job responsibilities for this roles is performed in a manufacturing environment which may include high levels of noise and as well as perform work in an outdoor environment. Working in outdoor conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity; and sometimes can include work in dusty or muddy work conditions. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

EOE/M/F/D/V