Maintenance I

Aviagen•Blairsville, GA

About The Position

The Maintenance I associate maintains facilities, equipment, and infrastructure supporting daily poultry production operations. The role performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and general upkeep of farm buildings, equipment, utilities, and support systems to promote safe, efficient, and reliable operation. The associate works with farm management to maintain company standards for safety, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare. The position requires independent work, responsiveness to maintenance priorities, and a range of skilled trade work in indoor and outdoor agricultural environments. Duties include maintaining poultry houses and related facilities; repairing agricultural equipment and systems; performing carpentry, roofing, welding, concrete, fencing, electrical, plumbing, and structural work; and assisting with facility improvements and emergency repairs. The associate maintains accurate work records and inventory, keeps work areas and vehicles organized, follows safety and biosecurity requirements, and may participate in on-call or emergency responses. Work takes place in an active commercial poultry agricultural environment, indoors and outdoors and in varying weather. Employees may encounter dust, feathers, animal dander, production odors, loud machinery, maintenance chemicals, live poultry, uneven or wet surfaces, and confined spaces. Schedules may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs based on operational needs. The role has physical requirements that include frequent movement and work in confined spaces, handling items up to 50 pounds regularly, and working at elevations up to approximately 20 feet with fall protection.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous maintenance experience in agriculture, farming, poultry, construction, mechanical maintenance, or a related field preferred.
Working knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, HVAC, mechanical systems, and general building maintenance.
Ability to safely operate power tools, hand tools, and maintenance equipment.
Basic understanding of electrical troubleshooting and mechanical repair.
Ability to read and interpret work orders, operating manuals, diagrams, and technical instructions.
Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout procedures and general workplace safety practices preferred.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Must provide and maintain a basic set of personal hand tools, including a socket and wrench set, drill, skill saw, grinder, Sawzall, tape measure, level, and volt meter.
Strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to safety.
Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with supervisors and team members.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to prioritize maintenance requests in a fast-paced agricultural environment.
Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic equipment.
Ability to identify maintenance issues before they become operational failures.
Commitment to biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and weather conditions.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds regularly.
Safely work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated work platforms up to approximately 20 feet while using required fall protection.
Perform repetitive movements involving hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back.
Safely navigate uneven terrain, gravel roads, muddy conditions, livestock areas, and agricultural work sites.
Operate maintenance vehicles and utility equipment throughout company farms.
Use precision measuring tools and power equipment safely.
Wear required PPE, including hearing and eye protection, gloves, hard hats, respirators when required, steel-toe boots, welding helmets, and fall protection equipment.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain authorization throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous maintenance experience in agriculture, farming, poultry, construction, mechanical maintenance, or a related field.
Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout procedures and general workplace safety practices.

Responsibilities

Perform preventive maintenance and general repairs on poultry houses, hatchery buildings, storage facilities, and other agricultural structures.
Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain agricultural equipment and facility systems to reduce downtime and support operational efficiency.
Install, maintain, and repair chain feed systems, auger feed systems, water delivery systems, ventilation equipment, Rotem environmental controllers, heating and cooling equipment, electrical systems, plumbing systems, generators, wells and water systems, and septic systems.
Perform carpentry, roofing, welding, concrete, fencing, and structural repairs as needed.
Repair and replace electrical fixtures, plumbing components, PVC piping, valves, fittings, lighting, switches, and outlets.
Install and repair Cat6 wiring and other low-voltage communication systems in agricultural facilities.
Perform lubrication, adjustments, inspections, and preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Monitor equipment performance and identify preventive maintenance opportunities to reduce failures.
Assist with emergency maintenance repairs to minimize disruptions to farm operations.
Operate company vehicles, tractors, utility vehicles, aerial lifts, and other equipment as required.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, inspections, and inventory of repair parts and supplies.
Keep workshops, storage areas, maintenance vehicles, and equipment organized.
Follow company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout procedures, biosecurity protocols, environmental regulations, and animal welfare standards.
Wear required personal protective equipment and safely operate tools and equipment.
Assist with facility improvements, remodeling projects, and seasonal maintenance activities.
Participate in on-call or emergency maintenance response when operational needs require.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.