Maintenance I

Aviagen•Pikeville, TN

About The Position

The Maintenance I associate maintains the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that support daily poultry production operations. The role performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and general maintenance on farm buildings, equipment, utilities, and support systems to promote safe, efficient, and reliable operations. The technician works with farm management to support 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 tasks in indoor and outdoor agricultural environments. Work is performed in an active commercial poultry operation, with exposure to varied weather, dust, feathers, animal dander, agricultural debris, production odors, loud machinery, maintenance chemicals and products, live poultry, uneven or wet surfaces, and confined spaces. Schedules may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs according to operational needs. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, as is previous maintenance experience in agriculture, farming, poultry, construction, mechanical maintenance, or a related field. A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required. The employee must provide and maintain a basic set of personal hand tools. The role includes regular lifting and carrying of materials or equipment up to 50 pounds and working at heights up to approximately 20 feet using required fall protection. Aviagen offers eligible employees a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, EAP, Teladoc, and short- and long-term disability benefits, subject to applicable plan terms. Additional offerings include company-paid holidays, PTO beginning at 14 days annually and prorated based on hire date, a 401(k) plan with company match where eligible, ongoing training and career development, and company-provided safety equipment and required PPE.

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.
Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Safely work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated work platforms up to approximately 20 feet 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.
Safely operate maintenance vehicles and utility equipment throughout company farms.
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 hire and maintain that 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 and auger feed systems, water delivery systems, ventilation equipment, Rotem environmental controllers, heating and cooling equipment, electrical and 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 routine lubrication, adjustments, inspections, and preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Monitor equipment performance and identify preventive maintenance opportunities to reduce equipment 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 inventories of repair parts and supplies.
Keep workshops, storage areas, maintenance vehicles, and equipment organized.
Follow safety policies, Lockout/Tagout procedures, biosecurity protocols, environmental regulations, and animal welfare standards; wear required PPE and operate tools and equipment safely.
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.