Maintenance Technician

Job Description Summary:

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for assisting in maintaining the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure that support the daily operations of a poultry production operation. This 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 maintain compliance with company standards for safety, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare.

This position requires the ability to work independently, respond to maintenance priorities, and perform a variety of skilled trade functions in both indoor and outdoor agricultural environments.

Essential Job 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
  • Septic systems
• Perform routine 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 throughout 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.
• Maintain organized workshops, storage areas, maintenance vehicles, and equipment.
• Follow all 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.

Qualifications

• 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:
  • Socket and wrench set
  • Drill
  • Skill saw
  • Grinder
  • Sawzall
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Volt meter
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and team members.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical systems.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• 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 on a regular basis.
• Safely work from ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts, and elevated work platforms up to approximately 20 feet while using required fall protection equipment.
• 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 Personal Protective Equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, hard hats, respirators (when required), steel-toe boots, welding helmets, and fall protection equipment.

Working Conditions

This position is performed in an active agricultural environment supporting commercial poultry operations.

Employees may regularly be exposed to:

• Indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, humidity, and wind.
• Dust, feathers, animal dander, and agricultural debris.
• Farm-related odors associated with poultry production.
• Loud machinery and equipment requiring hearing protection.
• Cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, lubricants, fuels, solvents, and other maintenance products.
• Live poultry and livestock production environments requiring strict adherence to biosecurity protocols.
• Uneven walking surfaces, wet conditions, and confined spaces.

Work schedules may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-outs based on operational needs.

Benefits

Aviagen provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Eligible employees may participate in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability benefits, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents.

Additional benefits include:

• 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

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with Aviagen.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aviagen is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy,