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Maintenance Tech at Valley Queen Cheese Factory
Valley Queen Cheese Factory
Madison, MN
Manufacturing
Posted 1 week ago
Job Description
About the Role
We're looking for skilled Maintenance Technicians & Mechanics to keep our production and facility equipment running at peak performance. In this role, you'll troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to ensure smooth operations and zero downtime.
What You'll Do
What We're Looking For
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Details
We're looking for skilled Maintenance Technicians & Mechanics to keep our production and facility equipment running at peak performance. In this role, you'll troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems to ensure smooth operations and zero downtime.
What You'll Do
- Install, maintain, and repair food processing and production equipment.
- Diagnose and fix mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues.
- Read and interpret manuals and work orders to complete service tasks.
- Perform routine plant inspections and address potential issues proactively.
- Respond quickly to maintenance calls to keep production moving.
- Maintain utility systems to prevent downtime.
- Keep accurate records for safety, quality, and compliance.
- Follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, and food safety standards.
- Participate in required safety and quality training.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
- Experience: Hands-on maintenance experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Skills: Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills; ability to work with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Tech Savvy: Basic computer skills for work orders and documentation.
- Problem Solver: Ability to think on your feet and resolve issues quickly.
- Team Player: Good communication and time management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems.
- Welding experience.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
Additional Details
- Work Environment: Shop and plant setting with exposure to moving parts, vibration, temperature changes, and loud noise.
- Travel: Less than 5%.
- Requirements: High school diploma/GED, valid driver's license, minimum age 18.
Typical mid-level pay: $49k for Home Appliance Repairers nationally
National salary averages
Expected mid-level
$49k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$33k
Market range (10th-90th percentile)
$78k
Slight candidate advantage
Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.
Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
Moderate
Who this leverage applies to
Stronger for:
Senior candidates with options
Where to negotiate
Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO
Likely Possible Unlikely
Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.
Does this path compound?
Job Growth →
⚡
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀
Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️
Plateau
Limited growth
⭐
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat
Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.
+3%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Typical: High school diploma or equivalent
Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.
Labor data: BLS 2024