Apprentice Engineering Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary: 

As a Maintenance Apprentice, you will engage in a structured learning program under the supervision of maintenance leaders and subject matter experts. As you work through the program, you will assist maintenance teams and support all aspects of the maintenance department as needed or directed.

About the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program (MAP)

The Maintenance Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is a unique opportunity for a limited number of qualifying individuals to participate in a hands-on, practical application learning initiative intended to compliment the apprentice’s academic coursework by working side-by-side with maintenance leaders and subject matter experts at a Butterball plant/facility. The apprenticeship opportunity is available on a part-time (25 hours per week) or full-time basis (40 hours per week).

Part-Time: Designed with the traditional student in mind, the part-time approach allows you to compliment your academic learnings with all aspects of our practical application apprenticeship program. (25 hours/week).

Full-Time: Designed for those who have recently completed their technical education, the full-time approach allows you to supplement the apprenticeship program with additional hours working in support of the facility’s ongoing maintenance needs (40 hours per week).

Semester 1

Apprentices accepted into the program will work at the Butterball plant nearest their educational institution for a period of one semester, lasting 14 weeks. During Semester 1, each apprentice will engage in a structured, hands-on learning program.

Semester 2

A select group of apprentices, having successfully completed Semester 1 and proven their competency in the required areas, will be invited to participate in the Semester 2 capstone of the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program (MAP), lasting 16 weeks.

Full-time Employment Opportunity

Those remaining apprentices, having successfully completed both Semester 1 and Semester 2, will be eligible to join Butterball as a full-time maintenance technician.

Paid Apprenticeship

Apprentices accepted into the Maintenance Apprenticeship Program (MAP) will be paid at an hourly rate commensurate with an entry-level/trainee-level maintenance team member.

Essential Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of maintenance leaders and subject matter experts, engage in a maintenance technician apprenticeship program that will involve hands-on learning and application in such areas as:
  • Workplace Safety
  • Motor Maintenance
  • Electrical Troubleshooting
  • Control Wiring
  • Pumps
  • Hydraulics and Pneumatics
• Post-training, the apprentice will be required to show / prove competency in the areas noted above
• Assist maintenance team and support all aspects of the maintenance department as needed or directed
• Perform preventative maintenance on plant equipment or machinery
• Follows all work safety policies and guidelines
• Observes equipment operation, notifying appropriate personnel of any malfunctions and/or safety issues/concerns
• Adheres to all USDA and GMP (Good Manufacturing Processes) product standards and guidelines
• Maintains a clean and organized work area
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Accountable to maintain punctual and regular attendance for scheduled work hours

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have successfully completed 3 or more courses, in or post-HS and within the past 18 months, in at least one of the following areas of specialization / training:
  • PLC Programming
  • Motor Controls
  • Electrical
  • Electronics
  • Industrial Ammonia Refrigeration (IAR)
  • Welding
• Must be able to follow diagrams, operation manuals and manufacturing instructions
• Must be able to read schematics
• Must be able to perform basic troubleshooting
• With appropriate supervision and training, must be able to handle situations involving electrical meeting water
• Must have ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must have ability to communicate effectively and follow verbal and written instructions
• Must be willing and able to perform physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must pass a background check, drug screen and pre-employment physical

 Physical Requirements:

• Standing (6 hours a day or more),
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling (up to and including 50lbs or more)
• Reaching overhead (up to and including 25lbs)
• Operating handheld and/or mechanical machinery
• Climbing stairs
• Working with hand tools
• Gripping, grasping, and twisting using hands and wrists
• Bending and stooping for long periods of time.

**This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.**

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Butterball, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.