Maintenance Controls Technician

Job DescriptionJob Description

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than three decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers, and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Controls Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automated control systems used in production and facility operations. This role ensures equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably by working with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and other automation components. Successful candidates will have an extremely firm grasp of mechanical, electrical, and controls principles/best practices and will be expected to share those with your direct team members to achieve the common goal – Becoming a World Class Maintenance Department.

SAFETY ABILITY: Promote a "safety first" culture by following all safety rules (including Lockout/Tagout, Arc-Flash, Confined Space, Fall Protection, and Hazard Communication). Report all near misses, Injuries, and documentation of incidents to the Shift Supervisor/Production Supervisor.

QUALITY ABILITY: Perform all duties in accordance with Quality and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) established company policies and procedures.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Responsible for active participation in continuous improvement teams and processes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Install, configure, and maintain control system hardware and software, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networks.

• Troubleshoot and repair electrical, electronic, and control system issues in a timely manner to minimize downtime.
• Assist in programming and modifying PLC logic and HMI screens for equipment improvements and upgrades.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs for control systems.
• Read, interpret, and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Work with Engineering and Maintenance teams to implement automation projects and process improvements.
• Ensure all control systems comply with company safety policies and applicable electrical codes.
• Maintain accurate documentation of control system changes, repairs, and upgrades.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance staff regarding control system operation and troubleshooting.

JOB ATTRIBUTES:

• Safety Awareness: Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
• Leadership: Ability to influence others to perform their jobs effectively and to be responsible for making decisions
• Time Management: Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changes in the workplace. Capable of functioning in a fast-paced entrepreneurial setting.
• Resource Management (People & Equipment) - Ability to obtain and appropriate the proper usage of equipment, facilities, materials, as well as personnel.
• Prioritization: Ability to quickly prioritize numerous pressing tasks and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, as well as ability to make presentations.
• Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build working relationships.
• Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Detail-oriented: Attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Continuous Improvement: Active participant in continuous improvement initiatives and goals. Seeks opportunities to improve self and processes.
• Critical Thinking: Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Active Learning: Understanding new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Electrical Experience

• Experience working on low voltage motors, servos.
• Understanding of low voltage control wiring.
• Able to understand, diagnose, and wire analog sensors (4-20mA and 0-10v).
• PLC and remote IO wiring.
• Ability to read PLC code.
• Reading and interpreting redline drawings.
• Able to wire up new control circuits for motor controls, instrumentation, feedback, signaling, alarms, and interlocks.
• Experience in conduit bending, wire pulling, termination, and underground electrical.

• Experience troubleshooting field sensors including RTD, Thermocouples, transmitters.
• Experience programming VFDs.
• Understanding safety circuits. Experience troubleshooting safety relays and STO on VFDs.
• Knowledge of how PLCs and logic work. Experience troubleshooting inputs, outputs, and analog signals to PLC.
• Knowledge on industrial networks. Ability to terminate network cables and able to test and troubleshoot.
• Equipment Calibration-Valves, pressure, flow, temperature transmitters, digital/analog controls, servos, thermocouple, flow, level controls strain gauges, load cells, test equipment.
• Adhere to NEC and local codes.
• Proof of Arc-Flash PPE training .

• Should bring at least 2+ years of experience working in an Industrial Maintenance Department.
• Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of advanced principles in mechanical, electrical, and control systems, along with the practical ability to effectively demonstrate these concepts to the maintenance leadership team. This includes not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience in applying these principles to real-world scenarios, ensuring clarity, and enhancing the team's operational capabilities.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and computerized maintenance software.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Required to complete all assigned tasks by due dates and report to management when these are not completed, along with reasons and timeline for follow-up to be completed.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all plant personnel and provide training when needed to elevate their personal understanding of equipment and/or processes.
• Fluent in Spanish and/or English but not required.
• Ability to lift 100 lbs. and 50 lbs. repeatedly.
• Ability to work with outside resources (vendors) as needed.
• Ability to work indoors/outdoors in extreme temperatures (hot/cold) as required by the company.
• Be able to confidently explain the current condition of assets and communicate needs to nontechnical employees.
• Participate in annual production training to ensure compliance with Nichols Farms standards and SOPs.
• Work with department leadership to understand and complete all tasks assigned, even outside of the direct job description.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

EOE/M/F/D/V