Maintenance Apprentice

NewCold•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

NewCold is seeking a Maintenance Apprentice to support the safe and efficient operation of its warehouse facility. The role involves a broad range of maintenance and repair work on warehouse plant systems and material-handling equipment, including conveyors, stacker cranes, ammonia refrigeration units, oxygen reduction systems, pallet-handling equipment, fire protection systems, automatic loading and unloading carriers, and dock doors and levelers. The position is safety-sensitive and requires adherence to company Health & Safety standards and applicable safety requirements. The apprentice performs preventative maintenance, responds to maintenance calls and work orders, troubleshoots equipment and systems, and documents work using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Work may involve machine tools, welding and cutting equipment, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and programmable logic controllers. The role may require a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Starting wage is $27.25–$35.55.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues with minimal guidance using intermediate-level diagnostic methods.
Understanding of PLC systems, including the ability to read and interpret schematics and perform system tracing.
Proficiency diagnosing and repairing low- and high-voltage electrical systems.
Working knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and ability to troubleshoot and replace components.
Skill using hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment, including welding and cutting tools.
Ability to perform routine and repetitive tasks accurately, follow work instructions, and meet quality and safety standards.
Strong organizational and communication skills, including ability to track and report maintenance activities.
Proactive and collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Valid driver’s license required.
Good physical condition; able to lift 50 pounds, work effectively in a -5 freezer environment, and climb a 120-foot ladder using a safety harness.
Able to wear a SCBA when required; employees must be clean-shaven for SCBA use.
Able to safely use fall-protection equipment rated for a maximum capacity of 310 pounds, including body weight, cold gear, SCBA pack, and tools.

Nice To Haves

Preferred 2–5 years of experience in storage distribution, production manufacturing, or industrial maintenance, operating, repairing, or troubleshooting conveyance systems and other material-handling equipment.
Experience with pumps, mechanical drives, lubrication, fasteners, piping, proper tool use, motors, pneumatics, sensors, proximity switches, automatic valves, and other basic mechanical systems and processes.
Strong knowledge of electrical systems, including low-voltage, 480V high-voltage, and three-phase motors.

Responsibilities

Perform scheduled preventative maintenance and timely equipment repairs to minimize disruption to daily operations.
Maintain and repair warehouse systems and equipment according to supplier and manufacturer guidelines, including conveyors, stacker cranes, ammonia refrigeration units, fire protection systems, freezer doors, pallet-handling equipment, PLCs, dock doors, and other mechanical components.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues and restore equipment functionality.
Respond to maintenance calls and work orders, supporting operations and sharing knowledge.
Set up and operate machine tools such as milling machines, grinders, and drills to fabricate or repair components.
Operate cutting torches and welding equipment for fabrication or structural repairs.
Monitor and maintain compliance with the Process Safety Management (PSM) program.
Document maintenance work, issues, and resolutions using CMMS.
Follow standardized work instructions and complete tasks accurately to company standards.
Follow OSHA, FSDA, and internal safety protocols.
Work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by business operations.
Model safe behaviors and practices in support of a “Safety First” culture.