Plant Mechanic

Blue Earth, MN

Direct Hire | Full-Time | Food Manufacturing

Schedule

Pack Season: June to mid-October

• 12-hour shifts
• Primary day shift schedule: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• May occasionally support night shift coverage from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM if needed
• Rotating schedule during peak season, typically 4 days on and 1 day off
• Overtime is expected during pack season

Off-Season: mid-October to June

• Monday through Thursday
• 4x10 schedule
• Day shift only
• Focus is on rebuilds, repairs, preventative maintenance, and preparing equipment for the next production season

Pay

• $26/hr to $30/hr based on skills, experience, and mechanical ability (Can potentially go higher for stronger skill set)
• Overtime paid at 1.5x for hours worked over 40 in a week

We are seeking a hands-on Plant Mechanic to join a well-established food manufacturing facility in Blue Earth, MN. This is a full-time backfill opportunity supporting a seasonal canning operation that processes peas and sweet corn. The facility runs 4 production lines and uses a mix of older, well-maintained equipment and semi-automated systems.

This is a great fit for someone who enjoys troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, fabricating, and keeping production equipment running at a high level. During the off-season, the environment is more project-based and focused on rebuilds, preventative maintenance, and equipment preparation. During pack season, the pace picks up and the plant runs around the clock, so the right person needs to be reliable, safety-minded, mechanically strong, and comfortable working in a fast-moving production setting.

What You’ll Do

• Inspect, repair, maintain, rebuild, and install food processing machinery and plant equipment
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues and make repairs to keep production running safely and efficiently
• Work on mechanical systems involving bearings, belts, chains, gears, shafts, couplings, pumps, motors, conveyors, hydraulics, and pneumatics
• Read sketches, blueprints, equipment manuals, and layouts to determine repair or installation needs
• Fabricate, weld, modify, and install guards, brackets, small parts, and equipment components as needed
• Perform preventative maintenance and replace worn parts before equipment failure
• Monitor equipment operation and make adjustments to improve performance and reliability
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work logs, repair documentation, and PM completion records
• Help coordinate and supervise small groups during production or maintenance activities when needed
• Follow all GMPs, food safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, and plant policies
• Support maintenance work across the facility during both pack season and off-season

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Additional voluntary benefit options

What We’re Looking For

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills
• Experience with industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, or food processing equipment preferred
• Knowledge of bearings, belts, chains, gears, shafts, couplings, pumps, motors, hydraulics, and pneumatics
• Welding or fabrication experience is a plus
• Ability to read blueprints, sketches, manuals, and equipment layouts
• Ability to complete accurate maintenance documentation and work logs
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety
• Ability to work well with production, maintenance, leadership, and seasonal employees
• Comfortable working in a seasonal production environment with longer hours during peak season
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Reliable attendance and willingness to support overtime during pack season

Helpful Backgrounds

Candidates may come from food manufacturing, industrial maintenance, agriculture equipment repair, machine shops, automotive, construction equipment, military maintenance, or similar hands-on mechanical environments. The most important fit is someone who can troubleshoot, repair, learn unique equipment, and stay productive in a fast-paced plant environment.

Why This Role Stands Out

This facility has a strong long-term maintenance team and offers a real path for someone who wants to build a stable career in plant maintenance. Strong mechanics can grow into higher-level maintenance roles, shift leadership, plant supervision, or long-term operational leadership. The plant supports internal training, outside training when appropriate, and long-term career growth for people who perform well and want to keep advancing.

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