Job Title: Maintenance Technician
Job Description
This role supports the maintenance and safe operation of peanut shelling and buying point facilities by performing mechanical, electrical, and fabrication work appropriate to Maintenance Technician Levels I-IV. Entry-level technicians learn core maintenance tasks under close supervision, while higher-level technicians independently troubleshoot complex issues, perform advanced fabrication and electrical work, and help coordinate and direct other maintenance staff. The position focuses on keeping plant equipment operating reliably, supporting food safety standards, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements in a non-climate-controlled industrial environment.
Pay: 20 to 35/hr
Shift: 7am to 3:30 Monday-Friday plus on call when needed
Responsibilities
Perform a wide range of skilled maintenance and repair tasks on plant and buying point facilities and equipment, appropriate to the assigned technician level.
Prioritize, schedule, assign, and coordinate maintenance work to support efficient plant operations and timely completion of tasks.
Maintain tools, the shop area, and workspaces in a clean, sanitary, and organized condition within a shelling facility.
Assist with the purchase, installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical wiring and fixtures, ensuring safe and compliant installations.
Troubleshoot and repair or replace fans and motors, and perform repairs on motors, bells, clocks, and lighting circuits.
Perform skilled maintenance and repair on mechanical and electrical equipment, including testing and replacing circuits and correcting defective switches, receptacles, ballasts, and other wiring components.
Conduct routine mechanical and electrical maintenance to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
Operate a variety of equipment and machines, including saws, drill presses, and various hand and power tools, to perform repair and maintenance work.
Maintain tools and equipment in a safe, clean, and proper working condition, and report any defects or safety concerns promptly.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices, procedures, and federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and requirements.
Maintain accurate records related to labor, materials, and work orders, documenting work performed and parts used.
Operate trucks to pick up and deliver equipment, materials, and supplies as needed.
Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Preventive Control Rules, and Occupational Safety Rules at all times.
Adhere to required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and ensure proper PPE is worn for each task.
Assist plant operations personnel in maintaining sanitary conditions to comply with current Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) guidelines, customer specifications, and Preventive Control Rules.
Use only food-grade grease in areas where there may be exposure to food contact surfaces.
After completing any maintenance activity, inspect equipment and the surrounding area to verify, per manufacturer's instructions, that operations are safe to resume.
Assist plant personnel in identifying and addressing potential sources of contamination.
Ensure strict adherence to Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Working at Heights, Hot Work Permits, and other at-risk activity policies.
Complete all required permits, work orders, and related documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
Execute the preventive maintenance program and provide suggestions for improvements to enhance equipment reliability and safety.
Perform job duties that require frequent standing, walking, sitting, using hands and fingers to handle, feel, or pull, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as clear verbal communication and hearing.
At higher technician levels, demonstrate advanced troubleshooting and independent repair capabilities on mechanical and electrical systems.
At higher technician levels, apply advanced fabrication skills and entry level to advanced electrical experience, including instrumentation and programming.
At the most advanced technician level, provide direction and guidance to other maintenance employees in the absence of a maintenance manager or supervisor.
Essential Skills
Demonstrated ability to perform mechanical maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting in an industrial environment.
Ability to perform electrical maintenance tasks such as testing and replacing circuits, and troubleshooting switches, receptacles, ballasts, and other wiring components.
Skill in operating and safely using a variety of tools and machines, including saws, drill presses, and hand and power tools.
Troubleshooting skills for motors, fans, and related mechanical and electrical components.
Ability to read and work from blueprints or technical diagrams for mechanical and electrical systems.
Experience with preventive maintenance practices to reduce equipment downtime and improve reliability.
Basic to advanced fabrication skills, depending on technician level, including working with metal and components for equipment repair and modification.
Knowledge of industrial equipment such as gears, bearings, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Forklift experience preferred for Maintenance Technician I and required for Maintenance Technician II-IV.
Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact effectively with plant personnel and document work performed.
Ability to work in extreme conditions, including heat and cold, in a non-climate-controlled plant.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends, holidays, and nights as required.
Commitment to following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Preventive Control Rules, Occupational Safety Rules, and company policies.
Ability to consistently adhere to Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Working at Heights, Hot Work, and other safety procedures.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working in a food manufacturing facility is preferred.
Familiarity with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) guidelines and customer specifications related to food safety and sanitation.
Exposure to or experience with instrumentation and programming for advanced electrical work at higher technician levels.
Welding and general fabrication experience in an industrial setting.
Comfort working with hydraulics and pneumatics in maintenance and repair activities.
Ability to assist with purchasing and installing electrical components and fixtures in compliance with safety codes.
Organizational skills to maintain accurate records of labor, materials, and work orders.
Capability to operate trucks for transporting equipment and supplies safely within and between plant locations.
Why Work Here?
You will join a team-focused environment where safety, reliability, and food quality are top priorities. The role offers exposure to a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and fabrication work, providing strong opportunities for hands-on learning and progression through clearly defined technician levels. Flexible scheduling supports operational needs while offering varied work experiences, and you will contribute directly to maintaining high food safety and operational standards in a key manufacturing operation.
Work Environment
This position is based in a non-climate-controlled plant that includes peanut shelling operations and buying point facilities. The work environment involves exposure to extreme temperatures, including both heat and cold, as well as typical industrial conditions such as noise, dust, and moving machinery. The role requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. You will regularly use hand and power tools, saws, drill presses, and industrial equipment, and may operate forklifts and trucks as part of daily duties. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required and strictly enforced, and work is performed under comprehensive safety programs including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Working at Heights, and Hot Work procedures. The schedule requires flexibility, with some weekends, holidays, and night shifts to support continuous plant operations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Smithville, GA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Smithville,GA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.
About Aerotek
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
