Maintenance Apprentice

Would you describe yourself as someone who likes to tinker with mechanical things? Are you the type of person who can identify a mechanical problem and be able to see what needs to be done to fix it? We are seeking a mechanically inclined individual to train for 18-24 months in all aspect of maintenance to become a fully trained mechanic.

The Shepherd Chemical Company manufactures metal-based chemicals that are essential to technologies for consumer safety, environmental sustainability, advanced product performance and industrial process efficiency. Partnering with industries from fragrance and personal care to petrochemicals and polyurethanes, Shepherd collaborates on both standard and custom co-developed metal chemistries. In collaboration with our customers, we are working to solve some of their most complex problems through the synthesis, scale up, and commercialization of inorganic and organic metal compounds.

Our employees scale projects from “concept to container”, travel the world to visit customers and attend industry conferences, and participate in community initiatives for health, wellness, safety and philanthropy. Performing meaningful work with trusted, talented colleagues is our formula for success and being a great place to work. Every day, our employees relentlessly pursue Shepherd’s Core Purpose and Core Values.

Job Description

As a Maintenance Apprentice, you will function as part of the maintenance team to learn the skills required to be a mechanic. You will train with each of our mechanics on all shifts to learn how we handle maintenance in our organization. You will learn how to troubleshoot and solve operational and maintenance problems while adding value to the process of operating and repairing equipment.

Note: All candidates are required to complete a battery of mechanical assessments and meet minimum performance standards to be considered for this opportunity. Your training will mostly take place during first shift, with a few months on second and third shift. Once the training period is completed, you must be available to be placed full-time on any shift.

Wage: $31.53/hr. 

Responsibilities

• Model Shepherd Chemical Company’s Core Purpose and Core Values 
• Understand, troubleshoot, and solve operational and maintenance problems related to the following types of equipment and systems:

• Rotating equipment to include pumps, fans, compressors
• Mechanical drives (gear, belt, hydraulic, pneumatic)
• Piping, tubing, hose
• Electrical power distribution and control
• Electric motors
• Instrumentation (level, flow, temperature, pressure, pH)
• Steam generation and use
• Chillers, cooling towers, air compressors
• Pollution control including scrubbers, dust collectors
• Facilities: lighting, plumbing
• Read basic electrical drawings, piping and instrumentation drawings, and mechanical drawings 
• Able to work and function well in multiple environments including heat, winter cold, tight places, confined spaces, dirty and dusty places, chemical exposure, heights, tight time pressures, changing priorities, alone, and extended hours 
• Strong decision-making skills specifically related to safety, reliability, and responsibility 
• Ability to use shop tools such as hand tools, grinders, welder, pipe threader, saws 
• Use an electrical multi-meter 
• Safely work with rigging, lifting, and general maneuvering 
• Communicate with peers, supervisors, and other departments, explaining both issues and resolutions

Education/Experience 

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred
• Industrial plant maintenance experience, relevant certification and/or acceptable performance on a proficiency assessment is required

Job Skills

• Strong organizational skills - able to manage multiple projects/priorities
• Able to work as a team with other Maintenance staff
• Demonstrated strong communication skills with the ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
• Completion of courses/programs relevant to industrial plant maintenance, preferred
• Experience and skills in welding, pipefitting, rotating equipment and electrical troubleshooting, preferred
• Able to work effectively with colleagues and front-line personnel by practicing collaborative problem-solving and honest communication

Work Environment

You will be exposed to winter cold and summer hot, as well as dusty and noisy surroundings. You will also be expected to wear proper PPE.

Benefits

Full-time team members receive:

• Competitive Pay
• Health and Life Insurance (eligibility date of hire)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company 401K Contribution (eligibility date of hire)
• Company Bonus eligibility
• Fitness Membership subsidy
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Career Development

EEO Statement

The Shepherd Material Science Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 or over), disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.