Retail Line Mechanic

COMPANY: True Leaf Farms is a vertically integrated, family-owned and operated company that produces a full line of fresh vegetables year-round. With an in-house farming and harvest program, and a state-of-the-art processing facility, we pride ourselves on maintaining industry-leading food safety and quality standards. We are a grower-owned processor, committed to innovation, excellence, and delivering produce with passion.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The Retail Line Mechanic plays a critical role in maintaining the functionality, efficiency, and safety of our fresh cut production lines. This position combines hands-on preventive maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and packaging systems support to ensure optimal production performance in alignment with company and regulatory standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on packaging and production equipment.
Operate and troubleshoot packaging systems, including Vertical Form Fill and Tray Sealing machines, product sorters, metal detectors, printers, and conveyors. This includes maintaining all equipment along the processing line from start to finish.
Read and interpret electrical prints, wiring diagrams, and ladder logic to identify and resolve issues.
Program and calibrate Ishida scales, VFDs, and other PLC-controlled equipment.
Rebuild pumps, gearboxes, power drives, and replace blade assemblies.
Maintain Smart Wash systems, sanitation chemical equipment, and compressed air systems.
Troubleshoot systems up to 480 volts, including 3-phase motors and control circuits.
Perform and document work orders, daily logs, and inspection reports.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, and GMP standards.
Assist in startup, shutdown, and transition of equipment during production runs.
Support cross-functional teams by collaborating with production, sanitation, and quality control.
Maintain a clean, safe work environment following good manufacturing practices (GMPs).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 1 year experience in packaging maintenance, food processing equipment, or industrial maintenance.
Strong knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Ability to read/write in English; Spanish communication skills a plus.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Team player with flexibility to assist across departments.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation.
Forklift Certification (or ability to pass within 30 days).
RETA Certification preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Cold (34-36°F), wet manufacturing environment
Exposure to chemical smells (chlorine, ammonia), loud noise, uneven surfaces, and moving machinery
Must be flexible with AM/PM shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, climbing, and repetitive motion
Ability to stand for extended periods and work in physically demanding environments
Work near and around moving mechanical parts and production equipment

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Retail Line Mechanic

Posted on June 30, 2025

Department: Maintenance

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor

Location: San Juan Bautista, CA