Industrial Utilities in South Dakota, USA - FU

• This is a U.S.-based agricultural manufacturing company specializing in food processing, animal feed ingredients, pet food production, agricultural equipment, and recycling services.

The employee will perform hands-on work involving industrial utility systems at Performance Pet Products, including boilers, ammonia refrigeration, wastewater systems, pumps, valves, piping, and associated mechanical equipment. Responsibilities include operating, monitoring, testing, calibrating, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining these systems to ensure safe and reliable manufacturing operations. Depending on the employee's education, experience, and assigned responsibilities, the position may also involve engineering analysis, system improvements, and technical problem-solving, either independently as an engineering professional or in direct support of qualified engineers. The position also involves preventive maintenance, equipment repairs, emergency response, and coordination with production and maintenance personnel. All areas of accountability are to be delivered with GRIT—our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork.

 

JOB DUTIES: ● Operate, monitor, and maintain industrial utility systems, including boilers, ammonia refrigeration, and wastewater treatment equipment, according to applicable operating procedures and manufacturer specifications. ● Perform preventive maintenance, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and repairs on industrial utility systems according to OEM standards. ● Monitor operating conditions, equipment performance, and system trends; record operating data and make appropriate adjustments. ● Diagnose and repair problems involving pumps, valves, motors, piping, and other mechanical components associated with industrial utility systems. ● Evaluate equipment operating conditions and identify potential mechanical problems, performance issues, or maintenance needs. ● Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on utility systems and related equipment. ● Read and interpret equipment specifications, operating manuals, technical diagrams, and maintenance documentation. ● Assist in identifying opportunities to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, and performance of industrial utility systems. ● Perform testing and verification of equipment following repairs, adjustments, or maintenance activities. ● Respond promptly to emergency radio calls and equipment malfunctions to minimize production downtime. ● Respond to after-hours service calls according to a rotating schedule. ● Complete necessary equipment repairs or ensure an appropriate handoff before leaving the facility. ● Accurately complete work orders documenting maintenance activities, materials used, equipment conditions, and time spent. ● Inspect building mechanical systems and perform repairs necessary to maintain applicable health and safety standards. ● Assist in repairing or replacing grinders, augers, pumps, motors, gearboxes, and related production equipment. ● Communicate equipment problems, accidents, operational risks, downtime, and potential costsaving opportunities to management. ● Coordinate with the Parts & Inventory Clerk regarding equipment, replacement parts, and maintenance supplies. ● Provide technical and maintenance support to other maintenance personnel as needed. ● Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment. ● Follow company safety policies, operating procedures, food safety standards, and applicable improvement initiatives. ● Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance.

 

ENGINEERING RESPONSIBILITIES (WHEN ASSIGNED TO AN ENGINEERING ROLE): Depending on the qualifications of the employee and the responsibilities assigned by FUI, engineering activities may include: ● Analyze industrial utility system performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability. ● Apply engineering principles to investigate recurring equipment problems and develop technical solutions. ● Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of improvements to industrial utility systems. ● Evaluate equipment specifications, operating data, and system modifications to support engineering decisions.

 

ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES (WHEN ASSIGNED TO A TECHNICAL ROLE): Depending on the qualifications of the employee and the responsibilities assigned by FUI, technical support activities may include: ● Work under the technical direction of qualified engineers in support of industrial utility system operations, testing, troubleshooting, and improvements. ● Assist engineers with evaluating the operating conditions and performance of boiler, ammonia refrigeration, wastewater, and associated mechanical systems. ● Collect, record, and communicate equipment operating data, performance trends, testing results, and technical findings to the responsible engineer. ● Perform equipment testing, calibration, adjustments, and troubleshooting in support of engineering evaluations and system improvement projects. ● Assist engineers in implementing approved equipment modifications and technical improvements. ● Perform hands-on technical work involving pumps, valves, piping, motors, and other industrial utility equipment. ● Verify equipment performance following adjustments, repairs, or modifications and report results to the responsible engineer. ● Provide technical assistance to engineers investigating recurring equipment failures, operating problems, and system inefficiencies.

 

The employee's specific combination of engineering, technical support, operations, and maintenance responsibilities will depend on the position assigned by FUI. Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.

 

JOB INFORMATION

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Wage Per Hour: $31.32 − $36.00 per hour (based on experience)
• Hours Per Week: 40–50 hours
• Workweek:
• ● 1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM
• ● 2nd Shift: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–1:30 AM
• Potential overtime during the week and/or weekend. Actual hours may vary based on production and project needs.
• Payment Days: Biweekly (Thursdays)
• Payment Type: Direct deposit (rapid! PayCards available from employer)
• Break Times: 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ● Knowledge of industrial utility systems, including boilers, ammonia refrigeration, wastewater systems, pumps, valves, and associated mechanical equipment. ● Ability to operate, monitor, test, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial utility systems. ● Ability to interpret equipment operating data, performance trends, technical manuals, and equipment specifications. ● Ability to diagnose mechanical equipment problems and develop or assist in implementing appropriate solutions. ● Willingness to obtain ammonia and boiler certifications within the first year of employment, if not currently held. ● Ability to function as both an independent contributor and a team member, as necessary. ● Awareness of food safety standards while performing equipment maintenance. ● Experience with skid steers, forklifts, telehandlers, and scissor lifts preferred; ability to pass applicable in-house certifications upon hire. ● Knowledge of safety procedures, including confined space entry, line opening, fall protection, lockout/tagout, and hot work. ● Ability to operate a variety of hand tools, power tools, and applicable testing equipment. ● Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers and follow written and verbal instructions. ● Ability to accurately read and understand signs, labels, warnings, directions, operator manuals, service manuals, and wiring schematics. ● Proficiency in mathematics, technical measurements, interpreting operating data, and accurately recording information. ● Ability to operate computer systems and equipment monitoring software; Redzone experience is a plus. ● Willingness and ability to work additional hours during the week or weekend when required. ● Ability to respond to emergency equipment problems and participate in rotating after-hours service coverage. ● Ability to perform work in a safety-sensitive position. ● Ability to work in a facility that processes multiple proteins, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, rabbit, kangaroo, and egg. ● Must be at least 18 years of age for insurance purposes.

 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Candidates may be considered based on either of the following backgrounds:

 

Engineering Candidates: ● Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or another engineering discipline directly related to industrial utility systems. ● At least two years of practical experience working with ammonia refrigeration, wastewater, and/or boiler systems. ● Ability to apply engineering principles to the analysis, evaluation, improvement, and operation of industrial utility systems. ● Experience with engineering analysis, system improvement projects, equipment performance evaluation, or industrial process systems is preferred.

 

Engineering Technical Support Candidates: ● Associate degree, Técnico Superior Universitario (TSU), or other relevant technical education in mechanical systems, industrial maintenance, refrigeration, industrial utilities, or a related technical field. ● At least two years of practical experience working with ammonia refrigeration, wastewater, and/or boiler systems. ● Theoretical knowledge and practical technical skills related to industrial utility systems and mechanical equipment. ● Ability to interpret equipment specifications, operating manuals, technical diagrams, and system performance information. ● Ability to perform testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities in direct support of qualified engineers.

 

Additional Preferred Experience: ● Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment. ● Experience with industrial refrigeration, boiler operation, or wastewater treatment equipment. ● Experience troubleshooting pumps, valves, motors, piping, and related mechanical equipment. ● Experience with preventive maintenance programs and equipment performance monitoring. ● Experience with Redzone or similar manufacturing software.

 

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED? Yes. IF YES, WHAT EXPERIENCE? At least two years of experience working with ammonia refrigeration, wastewater, and/or boiler systems is required for all candidates, including engineering and engineering technical support candidates. Experience in a manufacturing environment is a plus. IS THE EMPLOYEE REQUIRED TO SUPERVISE OTHER WORKERS? No. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Yes. 3A will coordinate the background check if the candidate resides in Mexico. FUI will coordinate the background check if the candidate resides in the United States. DRUG TEST: Yes, 4-panel. 3A will coordinate testing if the candidate resides in Mexico. FUI will coordinate testing if the candidate resides in the United States. ENGLISH LEVEL: Upper-Intermediate

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ● Consistently push and/or pull heavy objects. ● Consistently bend at the waist and/or knees or crawl. ● Consistently climb stairs; occasionally climb ladders up to 20 feet; occasionally perform work on building roofs. ● Occasionally lift up to 60 pounds from floor to waist level; rarely team lift up to 150 pounds. ● Stand up to 100% of the workday. ● Ability to distinguish colors, including electrical wire color codes. ● Tolerance of varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and wet or slippery

 

MUST ATTEND JOB TRAINING? Yes. BILINGUAL ENVIRONMENT? Partially. MUST ATTEND SAFETY TRAINING? Yes. DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED? Preferred; Mexican driver's license is acceptable. TYPE OF UNIVERSITY DEGREE DESIRED: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline for engineering candidates. Relevant technical education for engineering technical support candidates. MUST BE ABLE TO LIFT: Yes. Occasionally lift up to 60 pounds from floor to waist level; rarely team lift up to 150 pounds.

EQUIPMENT AND APPAREL

• COMPANY UNIFORMS: Pants and collared shirt provided SAFETY APPAREL: Reimbursements available for steel toe boots and prescription safety glasses. Other required PPE available at no costs (ear protection, hard hat, etc.)

 

FLIGHT AND TRANSPORTATION

• PAID FLIGHT TO BUSINESS LOCATION?: Yes, when first starting employment. AIRPORT OF ARRIVAL: FSD

 

WORKPLACE TRANSPORTATION

• TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WORKSITE?: TBD

 

JOB INCENTIVES AND BENEFITS

• WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE?: Yes 401(K)?: Yes, see benefits guide HEALTHCARE INSURANCE: Yes, see benefits guide PAID HOLIDAYS: Yes: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, plus employee’s birthday

 

HOUSING

• HOUSING OPTION: Still sourcing INDIVIDUAL OR SHARED ROOMS?: TBD RENT PER PERSON?: TBD HOUSING COSTS: TBD UTILITIES INCLUDED?: TBD FURNISHING: TBD WI-FI?: TBD CABLE TV: TBD LAUNDRY: TBD COIN OPERATED?: TBD