Maintenance Apprentice (Plant)

Dairy Farmers of America•Orange City, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

T.G. Lee Dairy, a Dairy Farmers of America company, is seeking a Maintenance Apprentice to join its team in Orange City, Florida. Under direct supervision, the apprentice assists with repairs and maintenance, working with a Maintenance Technician, Lead Maintenance Technician, Maintenance Supervisor, or Maintenance Manager on technical and diagnostic repairs. The role supports mechanics with lifting and positioning, prepares work areas and transports tools, parts, equipment, and supplies. Duties also include examining and testing machinery and components, completing directed repairs and replacements, and performing preventive maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating tools and plant equipment. Once certified, the apprentice may operate a forklift or other material-handling equipment. The apprentice maintains accurate work records, helps monitor parts and supplies, and follows standard operating procedures. The role supports continuous improvement, Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety, food quality, sanitation, and workplace safety, including use of required PPE and safe practices for confined spaces, chemicals, and fall restraints. Food safety or quality concerns must be reported to management immediately. Other duties may be assigned. The position is based in a dusty, greasy environment with moderate noise. Work is mostly indoors, with temperatures generally ranging from 50°F to 85°F and colder conditions when working on refrigerated units; some outdoor work is included. The work requires standing, walking, kneeling, bending, reaching, and crawling for virtually the entire shift, and lifting up to 50 pounds or assisting others with lifting. The schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.; Sunday and Monday are off. The role requires willingness to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays. Pay is $23.00 per hour.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Experience preferred but not required.
Commercial truck repair experience preferred.
Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, reach, and crawl for virtually the entire shift.
Able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist others when lifting is required.
Computer literate, with experience using engine, ABS, transmission, or other diagnostic equipment and software.
Able to work in a dusty, greasy environment with moderate noise, mostly indoors at temperatures from 50°F to 85°F, in colder refrigerated-unit conditions, and outdoors.
Willing to work flexible hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
Able to work effectively in a team and in a fast-paced environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Must pass pre-employment screenings, including drug, background, and criminal checks.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in commercial truck repair.

Responsibilities

Assist with repairs and maintenance under direct supervision.
Work with maintenance personnel when performing technical and diagnostic repairs.
Assist mechanics with lifting and positioning, and prepare work areas by transferring tools, parts, equipment, and supplies.
Examine and test machinery, equipment, components, and parts for defects and proper functioning.
Complete repairs and replacements under the direction of a mechanic or Maintenance Manager.
Perform preventive maintenance, including cleaning and lubricating tools and plant equipment.
Operate a forklift or other material-handling equipment once certified.
Maintain accurate and complete records documenting work performed and its location.
Report low parts and supply levels to supervisors to help maintain inventory.
Ensure paperwork is clear, complete, legible, and accurate in accordance with SOPs.
Help identify process-improvement opportunities.
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices and maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
Follow required safe work practices, including wearing required PPE and observing confined-space, chemical-handling, and fall-restraint safety requirements.
Support food safety, prerequisite programs, and food quality in the designated area, and report related issues to management immediately.
Perform other duties as assigned.