Maintenance Technician I

Job Details Job Title: Industrial Maintenance Technician Organizational Unit: Production Reports To: Industrial Maintenance Technician Direct Reports: None Location: Willmar, MN FLSA Status: Non-Exempt The Company The business of Vaxxinova US is to discover, develop, manufacture and sell veterinary vaccines. Vaxxinova US is the US operating unit of the Vaxxinova Group, headquartered in the Netherlands. Vaxxinova currently has facilities in ten countries including Brazil, Chile, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Norway, the Netherlands, Thailand and the USA. Vaxxinova is part of the family owned EW group, headquartered in Germany. The EW group specializes in animal genetics, animal nutrition and animal health, operates in over 100 countries and records consistent international growth. Position Purpose The Manufacturing division of Epitopix, LLC, dba Vaxxinova US, specializes in animal vaccine production to combat harmful bacterial diseases in poultry, cattle and swine, and is seeking a full-time Industrial Maintenance Technician for its Willmar, MN facility. This position will be part of a team responsible for supporting vaccine manufacturing operations through routine maintenance and repair of equipment and the overall facility. This position reports to the Maintenance and Engineering Manager, and interacts with fellow employees within the engineering, logistics, quality assurance/control, manufacturing and research and development departments. Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Maintaining and operating (where applicable) facility utility and process equipment, to include a water purification system, air compressors, recirculating chiller, steam sterilizers, incubators, pumps, mixers, valves, centrifuges, air handlers, etc. * Maintaining and operating a small high-pressure steam boiler, requiring a Minnesota Special operator license or the ability to obtain one. * Calibrating instruments used to monitor and control equipment and processes. * Performing general facility and grounds maintenance such as sweeping, snow removal, weed control, painting, etc. * Assisting with the installation and qualification of new equipment and the requalification of repaired or modified equipment, helping to prove that it will function as expected. * Accurately documenting all work using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), providing any feedback to the supervisor or project team leader in a timely fashion. * Working with service vendors such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC&R and OEM service reps as necessary. Contacting vendors for parts when necessary. * Assisting with spare parts inventory audits. * Assisting with standard operating procedure (SOP) updates, creating new SOPs as necessary. * Performing additional team functions incidental to maintenance activities to assist production personnel, including heavy or large portable equipment relocation, facility and equipment cleaning, raw material retrieval from warehousing or work at the R&D facility. * As part of a call list, responding to the equipment alarm systems, which may include afterhours equipment maintenance or emergency product relocation. Job Specifications * We are seeking a reliable, motivated individual that can adapt to changing needs in order to accomplish the necessary tasks around the production schedule, coordinating and communicating with the various departments as necessary. * Candidates must be willing to work within a regulated, quality-driven environment following standard procedures, yet have a desire for continuous improvement through controlled change. * Shop math and computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are required in order to complete documentation, data analysis and trending. * A high school diploma is required, but additional education or experience in related fields with demonstrated mechanical expertise or aptitude is highly preferred. * Previous forklift operational experience, or the ability to become certified through in-house training, is desired. Compensation & Schedule: * This opportunity is a full-time position with benefits and hourly pay ranging from $15 to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience and paid weekly. * Core working hours are 40 hours weekly, Monday Friday, 8:00AM 5:00PM, with some flexibility required, and with the possibility of occasional after hours work and overtime.