General Mechanic

The General Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and improving equipment throughout the facility to ensure safe and reliable operations. This role supports production uptime by performing mechanical maintenance across a wide range of systems while contributing to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Reliability

• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical equipment including pumps, conveyors, gearboxes, valves, motors, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance activities to minimize unplanned downtime
• Diagnose equipment failures and implement effective corrective actions

Operations Support

• Collaborate with operations and engineering to resolve equipment issues and improve performance
• Support production during outages, start-ups, and shutdowns
• Assist in installation and commissioning of new equipment and upgrades

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Clearwater Paper safety standards, policies, and procedures
• Identify and address potential safety hazards in work areas
• Ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
• Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive measures
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Documentation & Systems

• Complete work orders and documentation accurately in the maintenance management system (e.g., JD Edwards or similar)
• Maintain equipment records, drawings, and maintenance histories

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to safety and operational excellence
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective communication with operations, engineering, and peers
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Journeyman-level mechanical skills or equivalent hands-on experience in an industrial environment
• Experience maintaining industrial equipment in a manufacturing or processing facility

Skills, Abilities, and other Key Job Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
• Basic computer skills (work orders, documentation, reporting)
• Ability to work varying shifts, overtime, and call-outs as required
• Work in a high-speed manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, dust, and chemicals
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and working at heights
• Lifting, carrying, and moving materials as required
• Use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Ability to respond to off-hours maintenance needs