Title: Automation Technician - Food Production Facility (57226) (Clear Lake)

Location: Clear Lake, Sd, 57226, US

Company: Valley Queen Cheese Factory

Position Summary
In this role, you'll help keep our production systems running safely and efficiently. You'll install, repair, calibrate, and maintain the controls and instrumentation that support our food‑processing operations. You'll also help troubleshoot issues, support preventive maintenance, and contribute to projects that improve our equipment and processes.

What You'll Do

• Install, maintain, and calibrate controls and instrumentation used in food production.
• Develop PLC programs and help design SCADA control system architecture.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, identify root causes, and make effective repairs.
• Complete both scheduled and unscheduled repairs on plant equipment.
• Read and understand equipment manuals, electrical drawings, P&IDs, and work orders.
• Safely operate utility systems (steam, ammonia, compressed air, electrical, water, etc.).
• Complete corrective action tasks within 30 days.
• Use and handle chemicals safely while wearing proper protective equipment.
• Lead and manage large controls projects—from building and programming to testing.
• Maintain training required to serve on the emergency response team.
• Follow all food safety and GMP requirements to ensure product quality.
• Respond quickly to production floor controls requests to prevent lost production time.

What You Bring

• Strong technical skills
• Good problem‑solving ability
• Clear communication
• Comfort using computers
• Ability to manage your time and take initiative

Work Environment

You'll work in a mix of office, shop, and production plant settings. You may occasionally be exposed to:
• loud noise
• moving mechanical parts
• temperature changes
• fumes or airborne particles
• vibration

Schedule

This is a full‑time night shift position.
You'll work 11-12 hour shifts on an alternating schedule that includes weekends and holidays.
This role also participates in an on‑call rotation.

Travel

Minimal—less than 5%.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate degree in a related technical field OR equivalent years of controls experience
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of ammonia refrigeration systems
• Ability to speak both English and Spanish

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a valid driver's license (or be able to obtain one before starting)

Other Notes

This job description is not a complete list of every duty or responsibility. Tasks may change as needed.