Are you looking to update job descriptions from a quality perspective?
If so, here's an example for maintenance (I included our NSF and SQF requirements).
I did ask AI for some help on this one.
Position Title: Maintenance Technician
Location:
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor/Facilities Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time
Job Overview:
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of all equipment and systems in a manufacturing facility. This role supports the NSF 455-2 and SQF Edition 9 Food Safety Codes 10 (Dairy Processing), 13 (Food Processing), and 31 (Dietary Supplements) compliance by following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Preventive Maintenance (PM) schedules, and safety protocols.
Key Responsibilities:
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Equipment Maintenance:
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on production equipment, including augers, fillers, hoppers, conveyors, capper machines, induction sealers, and ink-jet printers.
- Troubleshoot and repair machinery breakdowns to minimize downtime in compliance with the production schedule.
- Maintain calibration and performance of equipment used in critical processes (e.g., mixers, dust collection systems).
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Facility Maintenance:
- Ensure the proper functioning of utilities, including HVAC, dust collection systems, and compressed air, which are crucial to maintaining powder integrity and preventing cross-contamination.
- Conduct general maintenance for FRP walls and tall walls within production areas to ensure a clean and compliant environment.
- Repair and maintain safety systems, such as fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and other safety controls.
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Compliance & Documentation:
- Follow and document all work according to the facility’s Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS), as well as preventive and corrective maintenance schedules.
- Ensure compliance with NSF 455-2 and SQF Edition 9 standards, reporting any potential safety, food safety, or quality issues to quality control.
- Complete work orders, maintenance logs, and equipment calibration records for review during audits or inspections.
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Safety & Food Safety:
- Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), ensuring the equipment is properly sanitized after maintenance to avoid contamination of dietary supplements or food products.
- Follow all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during equipment repairs to ensure safety.
- Work collaboratively with the sanitation team to maintain Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3 hygiene standards, ensuring that cleaning procedures do not interfere with maintenance activities.
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Training & Collaboration:
- Participate in cross-functional training on equipment operations to reduce downtime during changeovers or breakdowns.
- Work closely with production supervisors, quality assurance, and sanitation teams to ensure minimal disruption during routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
- Assist in developing SOPs related to maintenance, equipment cleaning, and the safe operation of machinery within the facility.
Qualifications:
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Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of maintenance experience in a food, pharmaceutical, or dietary supplement manufacturing environment. Previous experience with dry powder processing preferred.
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Education/Certifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent. Technical certification in electrical, mechanical, or industrial maintenance is highly desirable. Knowledge of NSF 455-2 and SQF Edition 9 is a plus.
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Skills:
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting abilities.
- Familiarity with GMPs, preventive maintenance practices, and food safety protocols.
- Knowledge of equipment used in powder manufacturing, including conveyors, augers, and dust collection systems.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
- Basic understanding of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and OSHA safety requirements.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift heavy parts and tools (up to 50 lbs) and perform physically demanding tasks such as climbing ladders or working in confined spaces.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to dry powder, dust, noise, and temperature fluctuations.
Working Hours:
- Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or on-call shifts based on production schedules or equipment emergencies.
Disclaimer --> This is not a perfect fit for your facility and should only be a reference for you to build your own job description for your maintenance personnel. We are not responsible for observations in your audits.