When it comes to being wild, we know a thing or two. We're not afraid of trying something new or the hard work it takes to make it happen. It's in our DNA. We've turned a family recipe into a new snacking category. And the wilderness into the world's largest meat snack business, that's still proudly family owned and operated.

We're a company built by innovators, and are driven to not only satisfy your hunger, but to also feed your journey – whether that journey is on the road, on the run, at the campground, at the playground, in the office or in the moment. It’s a journey we share with you. It’s the journey forward of our people, of our communities, of our category…with a reverence for quality and an irreverence for the status quo.

 At Jack Link's Protein Snacks, we see every moment of every day as an opportunity to move forward, to forge new ground. To realize our vision of becoming the World’s #1 Protein Snack Company. We never give up. You never give up. Together, we keep going. Are you wild enough to join us?

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s Protein Snacks also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, BiFi, Peperami, Wild River, Golden Island and Country Fresh Meats.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Maintenance Technician’s job is to keep the plant and equipment running in a safe and efficient manner. Maintains and repairs building and equipment. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with company policies and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

Daily work:                                                                                                                                    

• Inspect machines regularly for signs of malfunctions, including visual inspections, listening for irregular noises and conducting scheduled testing as appropriate.

• Perform routine preventative maintenance and service for each piece of equipment, complete daily Work Order documentation and enter into CMMS system.

• Collaboration with site managers to assess ongoing needs and plan preventative maintenance schedules.

• Routine inspection of tools and maintenance equipment.

• Use a variety of power and hand tools to perform job functions.

• Install, assemble and test new machines and equipment.

Troubleshooting:                                                                                                                           

• Monitor, identify and respond promptly to signs of malfunction in machinery such as changes in performance, temperature fluctuations, sounds, smells or atypical energy usage; perform troubleshooting for production machinery.

• Perform emergency repairs on various types of machinery, including mechanical, electric and hydraulic; identify and replace worn or damaged parts in a timely manner.

• Diagnosis of mechanical and electrical system issues.

• Diagnose and repair mechanical machinery.

General:                                                                                                                                        

• Reading, interpreting, and following instructions and operation manuals.

• Maintain machinery and the adjacent workplace in a state of appropriate cleanliness.

• Assist with inventory control.

• Maintain the shop, mechanical room, and the interior/exterior of the plant.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.

• Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards; LOTO, wear PPE and maintain safety equipment.

• Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly.

• Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s, and SSOP’s.

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience:  Knowledge of the materials, tools, methods, and techniques used in the mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic trades. Basic understanding of motors, and controllers, hydraulics and pneumatics, plumbing. Basic understanding of PLC I/O.  Basic understanding of TCP/IP.

Preferred Experience: 2 yr. technical degree and previous experience working in a meat processing facility.

• Robotics maintenance and troubleshooting experience.

• Ammonia refrigeration experience.

• Experience working in food manufacturing environment.

• CMMS experience in at least one CMMS program.

• English/Spanish bilingual.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Skill in diagnosing equipment defects and making necessary repairs.

• Must be a team player that is committed to working in a quality environment. 

• The ability to work independently with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload effectively.

• The ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

• Must be an agent for change and receptive to innovative ideas from others.

• The ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other team members and departments.

• The ability to deal with multiple tasks while using good judgment.

• The ability to perform heavy physical work, exercising up to 50 pounds of strength frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work involves stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, and grasping.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above head.  The Team Member must occasionally lift, push, pull up to 25 pounds and 50 pounds infrequently. Team Members are requested to visually inspect equipment and/or product.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with wet/slippery floors, varying degrees of temperatures with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the production area.  Team Members will be exposed to raw and/or cooked meat products and moving equipment and will be required to follow all Food Safety Quality requirements.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:

Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.