Employment Type: Full-time
Company: DFA - Swiss Premium Dairy
Contact: Erin Sten (570) 259-0954 erin.sten@dfamilk.com
General Purpose
Demonstrate full proficiency in maintenance/mechanical activities to ensure that all equipment is operating effectively and efficiently. Perform general maintenance, preventative maintenance, over-hauls, modification, fabrication, welding, and/or mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and repair. Work with a limited degree of supervision, with oversight focused on complex and/or new assignments. Act as an informal resource for colleagues with less experience.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Perform maintenance and/or repairs (planned, unplanned, emergency) on production, processing, and packaging equipment as well as utility related equipment or systems, following all safety procedures.
Perform preventative maintenance; perform routine inspections of equipment for assessment of reliability and performance.
Read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, electrical schematics, service manuals, and work orders to perform required maintenance and service.
Support the installation of new equipment.
Assist operators with training or troubleshooting to minimize equipment downtime.
Complete work orders in a timely manner, while maintaining high quality standards.
Use a variety of hand and power tools, electric meters, and material handling equipment in performing duties.
Maintain communication with other departments, management, and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production.
Ensure all repairs are documented. Complete all paperwork clearly, legibly, and accurately with required information. Document all required information in accordance with standard operations procedures.
Stay up to date on new products, equipment, technology and techniques.
Utilizing continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.
Exhibit the ability to anticipate parts requirements for the tasks, follow proper purchasing procedures, and acquire parts ahead of anticipated task performance.
Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues.
Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.
Requirements
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent
Graduation from trade school or technical school preferred in areas such as electrical, programmable controls (PLC/HMI), mechanical, welding/fabrication, refrigeration, plumbing, etc.
2 to 4 years of maintenance, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, computer-controlled equipment, PLC, and HVAC or related experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
Experience on a variety of equipment including lubricating, cleaning, material handling, motor control, relay control, process control and packaging equipment
Experience with ammonia refrigeration systems preferred
Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of charts, tables, drawings, specifications, schedules, wiring diagrams
Able to inspect equipment, recognize potential problems, and take appropriate corrective action to prevent component failures or equipment down time
Able to use a variety of maintenance tools, hand and power tools, electric meters, and material handling equipment in a safe manner
Able to perform maintenance activities/repairs independently and assist on more complicated repairs
Able to perform minor to mid-sized projects from planning to installation
Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
Able to perform task and duties without constant supervision
Able to work effectively in a team environment
Able to diagnose and take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Basic computer skills
Must be able to read, write and speak English
Freqently Asked Questions
Certifications like PLC programming, welding, refrigeration handling (especially ammonia systems), and electrical safety are highly valued in Transfer, PA. These credentials boost your expertise in mechanical and electrical upkeep, aligning well with local manufacturing and dairy industries, thus improving job prospects and salary potential.
Starting as a hands-on technician, you gradually take on more complex troubleshooting, equipment upgrades, and leadership in preventive maintenance strategies. This path often includes mastering PLC systems, welding, and refrigeration repairs, setting the stage for supervisory roles or specialized technical positions.
Technicians frequently encounter unexpected breakdowns requiring swift diagnostics, balancing scheduled preventive maintenance with urgent repairs, and ensuring minimal downtime. Navigating diverse equipment—from electrical schematics to pneumatic systems—demands adaptability and precision under time constraints.
Transfer, PA, has moderate competition for maintenance roles, especially within specialized sectors like dairy processing. Candidates with multi-disciplinary skills, including refrigeration and PLC experience, stand out, as local companies prioritize reliability and rapid problem-solving to maintain continuous production.
While the center emphasizes practical training, technicians must adhere to OSHA standards, state safety codes, and food safety regulations common in Pennsylvania's manufacturing environment. Embracing good manufacturing practices ensures safe operations and compliance with both educational and industrial protocols.
Technicians at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center benefit from hands-on exposure to cutting-edge training equipment and diverse mechanical systems. The environment fosters continuous learning and supports certifications, providing a strong foundation for advancing in maintenance careers within the region’s industrial sectors.
Salary is shaped by experience level, specific skills such as ammonia refrigeration, and certifications. Given Transfer’s industrial base, typical earnings range between $48,000 and $62,000 annually, with potential increases tied to advanced troubleshooting abilities and safety compliance expertise.
Mastery of interpreting technical manuals, electrical schematics, and hands-on repairs is crucial. Building confidence through diverse maintenance tasks, improving problem-solving agility, and developing a proactive mindset towards equipment issues enables effective independent work and reliable performance.
Absolutely. PLC expertise is a significant asset because many manufacturing facilities in Transfer rely on automated control systems. Candidates skilled in reading schematics and programming PLCs can troubleshoot more efficiently, reducing downtime and boosting operational productivity.
The center embeds practical scenarios reflecting current industry demands, including equipment troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and safety compliance. This approach equips trainees with job-ready skills, emphasizing hands-on problem-solving that mirrors challenges faced by Maintenance Mechanic Technicians in local companies.
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