Lead Electrician

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position This position maintains and repairs equipment for a soybean Crushing and Refining plant.  The primary function is to ensure that the electrical/automation portions of all machines and computer control systems remain in good order to optimize plant productivity and efficiency. Responsible for complying with all applicable Company standards, government regulations and best manufacturing practices. Maintenance responsibilities include project and outage work. This position is responsible for: assisting external support for PLCs/HMI for improving control of plant processes, training operators on any new program developments and registration of MOCs when needed, working with level 1 and level 2 electricians to improve their automation skills (networks, PLC, HMI), and leading level 1 and 2 electricians in daily electrical work assignments (LV/MV). Primary Responsibilities/Essential FunctionsPerforms instrumentation/automation and electrical work as neededMaintains and repairs operating equipment, including troubleshooting, removing, installing, rebuilding, lubricating and cleaning all equipment associated with the production processWorks with plant operations to accomplish all tasks in a timely and safe mannerLearning plant process and procedures for plant start-up, shutdown and operations for better understanding of how equipment is utilizedEnsures compliance with Company safety rules and policies, wears proper personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in fulfillment of assigned responsibilities Maintains accurate and timely, notifications and work orders in computerized maintenance systemEnsures orderly shift change by communicating with outgoing operation staff with respect to maintenance problems or other ongoing issues and/or tasksNotifies Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Superintendent of any production, maintenance or safety problemsParticipate in planning and scheduling of work for the annual shut down.Assists Maintenance Supervisor to ensure coverage of shifts by electrical personnel.Collects and processes predictive/reliability data from plant equipment to schedule repairs by maintaining good communication with production personnel and the Maintenance Supervision.           Additional ResponsibilitiesKeeps work area clean and free from all safety hazards which requires regular bending and occasional liftingCompletes tasks assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Manager or production superintendentsDrives company utility vehicles as necessary to perform tasks assigned by plant management, which may include but are not limited to responding to plant or staff emergencies and/or picking up, dropping off or transporting parts, equipment, instruments supplies and other materials necessary to ensure that the machinery and equipment in the plant remain in good working orderActively participates in Shift/Team activities including complying with best practices, standard operating procedures and development, maintenance and continuous improvement efforts. Execute MOCs as required for any temporal/permanent change in physical/logic design in the process.Actively participates in job-related training as requiredWorks and cooperates with outside contractorsParticipate in planning for Maintenance and SHE Capex Project.Elaborates and participates in development of SOPs for Maintenance, SHE and Operations.Keeps record for Safety and Legal Audits for E&I tasks and tools.Maintains information on equipment, repair files, and parts data for up-to-date accuracy.Performs job analysis, safety/risk analysis and preventative maintenance analysis. Work on continues improvement for tools and techniques to increase productivity of maintenance tasks.Assist IT to maintain data infrastructure on operations                                Company Conformance StatementsIn the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the public.Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy. Education/Professional Certifications/LicensesHigh school diploma requiredValid driver’s license requiredTechnical degree or electrical certification preferred Experience10 years of experience with electrical work in an industrial facility required, or a combination of 5 years of experience in the electrical field with a college degree or comparable certifications in Automation, control or electrical. A minimum of 3 years of experience working within PLCs controlled processes and training of operators on any updates executed is preferred. Two years of experience as a lead electrician preferred. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)The following are required:Knowledge of PLC (including HMI), instrumentation, Ladder Logic, MCC’s components, VFD’s, Soft starters and Electrical systems (Low and medium voltage, distribution) and plant power systems.Knowledge of manufacturing processes, procedures and industrial processing machinery.Ability to perform all duties of position while maintaining compliance with regulatory safety requirements, e.g., OSHA (including PSM), EPA, USDA, ISO 9000, ISO 22000, NFPA 70E.Knowledge of plant IT systems (networks) and ability to troubleshoot jointly with corporate IT to resolve network problems.Ability to troubleshoot PLC & HMI logic common issues to resolve control problems and restore capabilities.Works with outside vendor support to resolve plant PLC network problems if needed.Ability to read electrical, control and equipment schematics.Ability to provide instruction with respect to computerized control systems and machine operation/repair.Ability to climb stairs and ladders as well as work at heights, manage confined space entry, withstand extended periods of walking and standing, move manufacturing materials, products and equipment of 50 pounds or more which requires regular bending and lifting.Mechanical aptitude, effective oral and written communication skills, basic math and fundamental PC skills.Must be well organized, self-motivated, action oriented and able to work effectively in a team environment.Knowledge and understanding of Predictive and Preventative maintenance technologies in the electrical field.Ability to troubleshoot and repair instruments in the industrial environment. Equipment UsedProduction machinery and equipment.Use of electrical/electronic tools and testing equipment.Use of multiple hand tools, voltmeters, vibration analysis tools, precision measuring tools, etc.Use of occupational health and safety testing equipment (e.g., air monitors) in compliance with OSHA regulations.Wears proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Working ConditionsTechnicians are scheduled to work 5 days -10 hour shifts weekly, with expected overtime during project or downtime periods. Electrical technicians will be on call for all electrical-related plant problems. Regular exposure to a variety of temperatures and prevailing weather conditions; regular exposure to gases, vapor, dust, odors and flammable liquids; occasional exposure to areas with wet/icy floors and high volume of noise. Heavy lifting of manufacturing materials and products is required. Position will require regular stair climbing and extended periods of walking and standing to access and occasionally work in remote areas of the plant, heights and confined spaces. Get fit tested and use half/full-face respirators. Personal protective equipment will be worn in compliance with Company standards and government regulations. Covers of call-ins or the extension of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects, attend training or to respond to emergencies. Safety, Health & Environmental ResponsibilitiesMaintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules/standards and procedures applicable to their area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to.  Ensure employees are provided with the required training for area and jobs and tasks prior to assigning work.  Ensures the area of responsibility is maintained in an orderly and safe manner.  Promptly reports unsafe working conditions to management and communicates potential hazards to affected employees.  Promptly reports all incidents/accidents to management and conducts/participate in incident investigation as soon as practicable (but no later than 24 hours from time of incident).  Quality & Product Safety ResponsibilitiesMaintains good working knowledge of Quality and Product Safety policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to. Ensure employees are provided with the required training for area assigned, and jobs/tasks prior to assigning work. Ensure unsafe product working conditions are remedied as soon as practicable. Employee SupervisionThe leader in the electrical department ensures level 1, 2, and 3 electricians are performing tasks at the expectations of LDC. Decision Making/AccountabilityMaintains, trouble-shoot and repairs electrical machinery and control devices (instruments/PLC/actuators) for the production process of a soybean Crushing and Refining plant. Follow supervisor’s directions to ensure peak production efficiency and product quality. Employ an understanding of Company standards and government regulations with respect to areas of responsibility to ensure ongoing compliance. Investigates and resolves any production issues as directed by supervisor. Participates in plant start-ups and shutdowns as directed.