Plant Maintenance Technician
Overview
Interstate Waste Services is the most progressive and innovative provider of solid waste and recycling services in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut markets with a rail-served landfill in Ohio. IWS is committed to delivering high-quality waste, recycling and environmental services, while prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers and communities. We cater to a diverse range of industrial, medical and commercial/residential customers.
Founded in 1998, IWS has grown over the years through acquisitions, many of which were family-owned businesses that remain a part of our team today. We’re proud to combine the resources of a large company with the values and care of a family-run business.
Essential Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Plant Maintenance Technician who performs repairs and maintenance on recycling equipment, compact heavy equipment and light trucks to maximize safe and productive operations. Typical repairs include, but are not limited to, routine maintenance and repair of hydraulic systems, industrial electrical systems, 480V balers, conveyor systems and compactors.
Essential Job Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
- Perform corrective maintenance on recycling processing equipment and plant systems.
- Repair or replace motors, bearings, gearboxes, conveyor components, hydraulic cylinders, valves, pumps, belts, chains, and associated equipment.
- Troubleshoot and perform basic PLC and control system diagnostics.
- Perform welding, cutting, fabrication, and equipment modifications as needed.
- Respond to equipment breakdowns and emergency maintenance situations to minimize downtime.
- Assist with equipment installations, upgrades, and facility improvement projects.
- Execute scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance activities.
- Conduct equipment inspections and identify potential reliability concerns before failures occur.
- Recommend corrective actions and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Support root cause analysis efforts for recurring equipment failures.
- Perform maintenance and repairs on forklifts, skid steers, loaders, trailers, and other mobile equipment.
- Maintain facility systems including lighting, compressed air systems, plumbing, HVAC, and general building infrastructure when required.
- Accurately document inspections, repairs, labor hours, and parts usage in the CMMS.
- Maintain work orders, and maintenance records in accordance with departmental standards.
- Assist in maintaining spare parts inventory and identifying critical replacement components.
- Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and environmental requirements.
- Strictly adhere to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, and PPE requirements.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Participate in safety meetings, audits, and training programs.
- Work collaboratively with operations personnel to improve equipment performance and uptime.
- Communicate maintenance activities, equipment conditions, and repair status effectively to supervisors and stakeholders.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned or apparent.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- 3-5 years of industrial maintenance, manufacturing, recycling, material handling, or related experience.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, equipment manuals, and technical documents.
- Experience using hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and diagnostic instruments.
- Ability to troubleshoot industrial equipment safely and efficiently.
- Valid driver's license.
- Trade school certification, technical degree, or apprenticeship completion.
- Experience in Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), recycling operations, waste industry facilities, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, aggregates, utilities, or heavy industrial environments.
- Experience with:
- PLC troubleshooting
- VFDs and motor controls
- Industrial electrical systems up to 480V
- Welding and fabrication
- Conveyor systems
- Balers and compactors
- CMMS software
- Forklift, aerial lift, or other industrial equipment certifications.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Work at heights, in confined spaces, and around moving mechanical equipment.
- Work in varying weather, temperature, dust, noise, and industrial conditions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
Additional Information
This job description is intended to be an accurate representation of the general functions of the job, rather than exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or experience. Other duties may be assigned, requested, or required. Aspects of the job may be altered without notice.
Interstate Waste Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.