Maintenance I

Aviagen • Watertown, NY

1d

About The Position

The Maintenance I associate maintains the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that support daily operations at a poultry production operation. The role performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and general maintenance on farm buildings, equipment, utilities, and support systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations. The associate works with farm management to uphold company standards for safety, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare. The position requires independent work, responsiveness to maintenance priorities, and a variety of skilled trade tasks in indoor and outdoor agricultural environments.

The position maintains poultry houses, hatchery buildings, storage facilities, agricultural equipment, and facility systems. Work includes repairs and upkeep involving feed and water systems, ventilation, environmental controllers, heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing systems, generators, wells, septic systems, and building structures. The associate also keeps maintenance records and work areas organized, helps with facility projects and emergency repairs, and operates vehicles and equipment as required.

Work takes place in an active commercial poultry environment, indoors and outdoors in varying weather. Conditions may include dust, feathers, animal dander, odors, loud machinery, chemicals and maintenance products, uneven or wet surfaces, confined spaces, and live poultry. Schedules may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs based on operational needs.

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 and communicate 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.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated work platforms up to approximately 20 feet while using required fall protection equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements involving hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back, and to navigate uneven terrain, gravel roads, muddy conditions, livestock areas, and agricultural work sites.
• Ability to operate maintenance vehicles and utility equipment throughout company farms and safely use precision measuring tools and power equipment.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hearing and eye protection, gloves, hard hats, respirators when required, steel-toe boots, welding helmets, and fall protection equipment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

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

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 minimize downtime and improve 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 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 used in agricultural facilities.
• Perform routine 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, inspection records, 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 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Life insurance and AD&D benefits, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Teladoc, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability benefits, subject to plan terms and eligibility.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) beginning at 14 days annually, prorated based on hire date.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match, where eligible.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• Company-provided safety equipment and required PPE.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED