Pumps & Valves Technician

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day. Role & Responsibilities: The Pumps and Valves Technician is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and rebuilding of pumps, valves, and related equipment throughout the dairy processing facility. This position plays an important role in maintaining reliable plant operations, minimizing equipment downtime, and ensuring equipment is maintained in accordance with food safety, quality, and sanitary requirements. The Pumps and Valves Technician will work closely with Maintenance, Production, and other plant departments to identify equipment issues and complete preventative and corrective maintenance. Basic duties that will be performed: Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, rebuild, and maintain sanitary pumps, valves, and related processing equipment throughout the facility. Perform preventative and predictive maintenance on pumps, valves, seals, actuators, and associated components according to established maintenance schedules. Diagnose mechanical failures and determine appropriate repairs or replacement of worn or damaged components. Disassemble, inspect, rebuild, and reassemble pumps and valves while following manufacturer specifications and plant standards. Replace bearings, seals, gaskets, O-rings, impellers, valve seats, and other components as required. Inspect equipment for leaks, abnormal wear, vibration, pressure issues, or other conditions that could impact equipment performance or product integrity. Support troubleshooting of product, water, CIP, and other process flow systems throughout the plant. Assist with installation, removal, and replacement of pumps, valves, piping components, and related equipment. Complete work orders and accurately document preventative maintenance, repairs, equipment condition, and parts used within the plant's maintenance system. Maintain pumps, valves, tools, and work areas in a clean and organized condition. Follow sanitary maintenance practices when working on equipment that comes into contact with product or product-contact surfaces. Follow all applicable GMP, food safety, quality, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and company safety requirements. Work closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, and Maintenance personnel to coordinate repairs and minimize production interruptions. Assist with troubleshooting and emergency repairs during equipment breakdowns. Participate in plant shutdowns, scheduled maintenance activities, equipment installations, and improvement projects as required. Identify recurring equipment failures and communicate opportunities for reliability or process improvements to Maintenance leadership. Perform other maintenance duties as assigned or as the situation dictates. Physical Demands: Majority of time will be spent in a manufacturing and dairy processing environment that may include wet, humid, hot, cold, and refrigerated areas. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, push, and pull. Must be able to safely lift and/or move up to 55 lbs. Must be able to safely use hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment. Must be capable of working from ladders, platforms, scissor lifts, and/or other elevated work areas as required. Must be able to work around operating machinery, chemicals, cleaning and sanitation processes, and varying noise levels while utilizing required PPE. Must be able to safely perform work in accordance with Lockout/Tagout and other plant safety procedures. Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum of one year of mechanical maintenance, industrial maintenance, pump/valve repair, or related experience preferred. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment. Basic understanding of pumps, valves, piping systems, bearings, seals, and related mechanical components. Ability to safely use hand and power tools. Ability to read and understand equipment manuals, diagrams, and maintenance instructions. Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with Maintenance, Production, Quality, and other plant personnel. Strong attention to detail and commitment to completing repairs correctly and safely. Ability to work independently and prioritize maintenance needs in a fast-paced production environment. Willingness and ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or respond to plant needs as required by the position. Preferred Skills: Previous maintenance experience in dairy, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or other sanitary manufacturing environments. Experience repairing and rebuilding centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. Experience with sanitary valves Pay: $26-$30/hr.* * The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays. Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.