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Maintenance Technician

Select Milk Producers · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the kinds of equipment you have maintained, such as conveyors, mixers, packaging or pumps.

What they are checking: Hands-on breadth with production equipment similar to a food ingredient plant.

Tell me about a repeat breakdown you fixed for good.

What they are checking: Root cause thinking that stops recurring failures rather than patching the same problem every week.

Tell me about a time you taught someone else a maintenance skill.

What they are checking: Willingness to share knowledge and help operators handle basic issues themselves.

What would you do

A line goes down and production wants it back fast, but the real fix will take longer. What do you do?

What they are checking: Balancing a quick restart with root cause repair and communicating the risk honestly.

How do you document your work so the next shift knows what happened?

What they are checking: Good handoffs and work order records that save the next technician time.

About the work

Walk me through how you troubleshoot a motor that will not start.

What they are checking: Systematic electrical troubleshooting from power supply through controls to the motor itself.

How comfortable are you reading electrical schematics and working on PLC-controlled equipment?

What they are checking: Controls skill level, which often decides how fast a line comes back up.

How do you apply lockout/tagout on a machine with more than one energy source?

What they are checking: Thorough safety practice that covers electrical, pneumatic and stored energy.

What changes about maintenance work when you are in a food plant?

What they are checking: Awareness of food-grade lubricants, tool control and cleaning after repairs to prevent contamination.

How do you decide what goes on a preventive maintenance schedule?

What they are checking: Understanding that PM should target failure risk and criticality, not just follow a manual.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Select Milk Producers.

Shape What’s Next at Select Custom Solutions At Select Custom Solutions, we don’t just make ingredients—we create possibilities. From La Crosse, WI, our team brings innovation and expertise to contract manufacturing, branded dairy and non-dairy ingredients, custom blends, and ingredient distribution. With modern facilities and cutting-edge capabilities, we help some of the world’s most trusted brands deliver products that make a difference in people’s lives. With a strong focus on growth, innovation, and excellence, Select Custom Solutions offers opportunities to be part of meaningful work that impacts industries worldwide. Whether you’re working hands-on in manufacturing or supporting operations, your contributions help drive the future of food and nutrition. We’re proud to be partnered with Select Milk Producers, one of the nation’s most progressive dairy cooperatives. With over 110 family-owned dairies and multiple processing plants and joint ventures nationwide, our partnership connects us to a powerful network driving the future of food and nutrition. Join us—and help shape what’s next. What Select offers you: Comprehensive benefits package focusing on your physical, financial and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings (health, dental, vision, etc.): • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays Off • Uniform Program • Shoe Allowance • Onsite gym • Career Advancement Opportunities • Leadership Development • Opportunities to support our local communities • Chance to apply best practices in sustainability and environmental initiatives • Commitment to producing high quality nutritious products and providing nourishment around the world What this role is all about: We are looking for a Maintenance Technician in La Crosse, WI. Schedule: 2nd Shift, Monday - Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Compensation: Negotiable, based on experience The Maintenance Technician assists in performing routine and breakdown maintenance on processing and packaging equipment. This position assists in keeping the plant running and in compliance with all rules and regulations by using safe methods of equipment repair/upkeep. The Maintenance Technician assists in performing repairs as needed by the department, troubleshoots processes, performing preventive maintenance, and also assists with machine set ups and rebuilds. Job Duties: • Assist in ensuring the operation of machinery and mechanical equipment by completing maintenance requirements (both planned and unplanned) on production, packaging, and processing equipment. • Be readily available for emergency repairs in breakdown situations. • Accurately read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, electrical schematics, service manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance and service. • Assist in performing preventative maintenance (i.e. conducting computerized preventative maintenance check-ups or reading SPC charts and data) as needed. • Assist in ensuring proper function of the line manufacturing support systems (line/lube delivery, chemical deliver, ingredient delivery, process systems, CIP systems, operational support.) • Accurately complete work orders in a timely manner to maintain high quality standards. • Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees; notifying them of problems and/or concerns that may restrict production efficiency. • Complete all paperwork in a clear, legible and accurate format, including all required information and documenting in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). • Assist in maintaining parts and supplies inventory by checking parts out of inventory and assigning them to the proper work order; report low supply levels to Manager. • Maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area, including maintenance shop. • Adhere to Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS). • Identify Critical Control Points (CCP). • This position uses a variety of hand and power tools, electric meters and material handling equipment to perform duties. • Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures. • Safety Protocol: • Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures. • Correct or report any observed safety hazards. • Support safety policies and programs. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications: Education Required: • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. • Associate’s or Technical School Degree in Mechanics, Electrical, Computer Science or Food Processing preferred. • Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. Experience Required: • Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred. • Understanding of preventative maintenance programs required. • Mechanic, pneumatic, hydraulic and basic electrical knowledge required. Where you’ll be working: Our La Crosse, WI, plant is home to approximately 330 employees. This facility supplies the food, beverage, and nutritional industries with innovative functional ingredients and superior quality contract manufacturing services. La Crosse, WI, is nestled between the Mississippi River and the rolling river bluffs. This town is home to a plethora of colleges, high-quality health care, community events, and cultural opportunities. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities there are many opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and boating. The town hosts multiple events annually and is famously known for their Oktoberfest celebration as well as offering a minor league baseball team. Visit the La Crosse Chamber site https://www.lacrossechamber.com/ for more information on local events. AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity #SJSCS26

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