Columbia Basin Ice

Salary: $26 to $32 an hour

Columbia Basin Ice LLC is seeking a reliable, hands-on Production and Maintenance Technician to join our team in Kennewick, WA. This dual-role position is ideal for a motivated individual who wants to start on the production floor while actively training in maintenance and technical skills. You will lead and support daily production activities while learning and performing maintenance on our equipment and systems. The right candidate will have strong leadership potential, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safety, cleanliness, and quality. High performers will grow quickly into a more advanced maintenance-focused role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support daily production operations, including operating ice manufacturing equipment, packaging, and ensuring consistent high-quality output of tube ice, block ice, and other products.
• Train, coach, and direct production team members while maintaining strong standards for food safety, workplace organization (5S), and efficiency.
• Perform hands-on production line work daily to deeply understand processes, challenges, and team needs.
• Conduct routine inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and repairs on production equipment, machinery, refrigeration systems, logic controllers, and facility systems.
• Train directly under our experienced Maintenance Technician to learn our specific equipment, vehicles, and processes.
• Maintain and clean company vehicles, trucks, production machinery, and ice storage equipment.
• Apply vinyl wraps to ice merchandisers/boxes and assist with equipment modifications, fabrication, and improvement projects (welding experience is a plus).
• Keep production and maintenance areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Use our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to log work, track parts, and document activities.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager and production leadership to minimize downtime and support smooth operations.
• Strictly follow all safety protocols, food safety guidelines (e.g., no bare hand contact with ice), and company policies.

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in manufacturing/production environments (food processing or cold storage preferred).
• Mechanical aptitude and basic experience with electrical or mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated leadership or team lead experience is a strong plus.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and stay organized in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience with production equipment, trucks, refrigeration, welding, or vinyl wrapping is desirable but not required.
• Familiarity with CMMS or maintenance tracking systems is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, commitment to cleanliness, and dedication to workplace safety.
• Ability to work in cold environments and a flexible schedule (including possible weekends/holidays).

What We Offer:

• Full-time position with competitive pay based on experience.
• Structured training path from production leadership into full maintenance/technical responsibilities.
• Opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding, locally owned PNW ice manufacturer.
• Hands-on role with direct impact on operations and team success.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys both leading production and solving technical problems. If youre a dependable, safety-minded team player ready to build a long-term career with us, we encourage you to apply.