Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Assistant

Location: Richmond, VA 23231
Job Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire
Pay: $18.00–$24.00 per hour, depending on experience
Schedule: First Shift, approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Work Environment: Climate-Controlled Manufacturing Facility

Job Description

We are hiring a Maintenance Assistant to support the Maintenance Manager with basic mechanical troubleshooting, equipment repairs, preventative maintenance, and general facility maintenance. This is a hands-on position in a food manufacturing and processing facility where safety, cleanliness, and attention to detail are important.

The Maintenance Assistant will work around processing equipment, conveyors, packaging lines, pasteurizers, roasters, and other manufacturing equipment. This position is a good opportunity for someone with mechanical, maintenance, industrial, construction, or skilled trades experience who wants to continue developing their maintenance skills.

This is a first-shift position, generally working from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional off-shift or weekend work when maintenance needs require it.

Maintenance Assistant Responsibilities

• Assist with mechanical troubleshooting and basic repairs on manufacturing and processing equipment.
• Assist with maintenance of conveyors, packaging lines, pasteurizers, roasters, and other production equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance and service work on mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems under the direction of the Maintenance Manager.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and basic maintenance equipment safely and properly.
• Assist with preventative maintenance and follow established maintenance schedules.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) when performing maintenance and equipment-related tasks.
• Operate a scissor lift, reacher lift, and forklift as needed. Forklift training and certification will be provided.
• Assist with equipment cleaning, machine disassembly and reassembly, and sanitation activities.
• Help with general facility maintenance, handyman duties, and warehouse upkeep.
• Restock maintenance supplies and keep tools, parts, and work areas organized.
• Document completed maintenance work and report equipment problems to the Maintenance Manager.
• Work with the Maintenance, Production, Quality Assurance, and other departments to address equipment and facility needs.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and learn maintenance procedures from experienced maintenance personnel.
• Perform other maintenance and facility duties as needed.

Safety & Food Manufacturing Requirements

• Follow all GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and food safety procedures.
• Follow food safety, allergen control, and sanitation procedures at all times.
• Follow applicable FDA, FSMA, GFSI, and HACCP requirements.
• Follow facility, fire safety, and workplace safety procedures.
• Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures after training.
• Wear required PPE and follow equipment safety requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized maintenance area.
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, and maintenance concerns to management.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of hands-on maintenance, mechanical, industrial, construction, or skilled trades experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical components, and maintenance tools.
• Experience with mechanical troubleshooting and basic equipment repair is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of pneumatic systems preferred.
• Boiler operation knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability and willingness to learn LOTO procedures, GMPs, and food safety requirements.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate a scissor lift and reacher lift.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.
• Ability to read and understand safety procedures, work instructions, and SOPs in English.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid driver's license preferred.
• Must be available for occasional weekend or off-shift maintenance work when needed.
• Due to the products handled at this facility, candidates must not have a nut allergy.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and climbing.
• Ability to work with hands and use hand tools throughout the workday.
• Ability to climb ladders and safely work at heights.
• Ability to frequently lift and move up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work around manufacturing equipment where noise levels may be high; hearing protection will be provided when required.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including cold storage areas. Appropriate warm gear will be provided.
• Ability to safely work around machinery, tools, equipment, and moving production lines.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• $18–$24/hour, based on experience
• First-shift schedule, approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Full-time opportunity
• Hands-on maintenance and mechanical experience
• Training provided for forklift certification
• Opportunity to develop skills with manufacturing equipment, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs
• Climate-controlled work environment
• Opportunity for long-term growth and advancement