Maintenance Apprentice

Winland Foods•Excelsior Springs, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Winland Foods, Maintenance Apprentices support the reliability, safety, and efficiency of production operations while developing foundational maintenance skills under the guidance of senior mechanics. The role includes organizing spare parts, assisting with preventive maintenance and basic repairs, learning equipment assembly and troubleshooting, and helping maintain a clean and safe work environment. Apprentices may assist with packaging equipment, HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, fabrication, and millwright tasks as they gain experience. The position is based at 1000 Italian Way, Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The initial schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Once fully trained, the schedule transitions to a 2-2-3 rotation, alternating weeks, with hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Mandatory overtime, including weekends, may be required based on business needs. Salary is $27.50 per hour, based on experience and other qualifications. The apprentice follows company safety policies, GMPs, and food safety requirements while learning to document maintenance activities and use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The role involves physical activity and exposure to manufacturing conditions, including moving mechanical parts, wet or humid areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations, depending on the assigned area.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of work experience; manufacturing or food production experience is preferred.
At least 18 years of age.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and perform accurate math functions.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn equipment assembly, repair, and troubleshooting.
Understanding of and compliance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Commitment to company safety policies and procedures, including lockout/tagout and safe lifting techniques.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including blue nitrile gloves in production Zone 1 areas.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication and teamwork skills; ability to learn from senior staff.
Dependable and accountable for work quality and attendance, and able to handle equipment safely.
Ability to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays and Sundays, as business needs require.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently climb, pull, push, carry, grasp, reach, twist, turn, and stoop.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills; 20/20 corrected vision and normal hearing and vision, with correction if needed, including ability to distinguish colors for color-coded production containers.
Ability to work in conditions that may include wet or humid areas, moving mechanical parts, heights, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations.

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification; certification is required for the Advanced Level, and applicants without it must be willing to obtain it.
Experience working with manufacturing equipment.
Experience in manufacturing or food production.

Responsibilities

Support the organization and inventory of spare parts for maintenance tasks.
Assist with preventive maintenance and minor modifications on machinery, including packaging equipment and HVAC systems.
Assist with machine setup, equipment modifications, and rebuilds.
Learn basic maintenance welding, minor fabrication, and millwright activities such as cutting, grinding, and simple assembly.
Assist with basic building upkeep, including plumbing, HVAC, and water treatment system tasks.
Train under senior mechanics to diagnose and repair basic mechanical and electrical equipment.
Support equipment monitoring, identify parts needed for repairs, and help maintain a clean and organized workspace.
Gain experience documenting maintenance activities and using the CMMS.
Follow safety guidelines, maintain hazard-free work areas, and comply with GMPs and food safety regulations.
Communicate with team members and leadership to support production, learn from senior staff, resolve equipment issues, and minimize downtime.
Maintain accurate documentation and update maintenance records.
Report food safety or quality issues immediately to management.
Assume a leadership role and set a positive example for team members.