Maintenance I

Aviagen•Watertown, NY

About The Position

The Maintenance I associate maintains the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that support daily operations at a poultry production operation. The position performs preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and general maintenance on farm buildings, equipment, utilities, and support systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation. The technician works closely with farm management to meet company standards for safety, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare. The role requires working independently, responding to maintenance priorities, and performing varied skilled trade functions in indoor and outdoor agricultural environments. Work may take place in all weather conditions and may involve dust, feathers, animal dander, farm odors, loud machinery, maintenance chemicals, live poultry, uneven surfaces, and confined spaces. 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.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
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.
Ability to perform frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, squatting, crawling, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated work platforms up to approximately 20 feet while using required fall protection.
Ability to perform repetitive movements involving the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back.
Ability to navigate uneven terrain, gravel roads, muddy conditions, livestock areas, and agricultural work sites.
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.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain 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.

Responsibilities

Perform preventative 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 maximize 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 routine carpentry, roofing, welding, concrete, fencing, and structural repairs.
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 preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for preventative maintenance 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.
Maintain organized workshops, storage areas, maintenance vehicles, and equipment.
Follow company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, biosecurity protocols, environmental regulations, and animal welfare standards.
Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 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.