Maintenance Mechanical Tradesperson

Are you looking for a new challenge? This is an exciting time to join our team – we are implementing new technologies in the plant and have a positive and collaborative work environment. We need motivated and ambitious individuals to build our teams and achieve our goals.

The role:

Based in Howlong, the role of Maintenance Mechanical Tradesperson is a crucial position to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment in our manufacturing facility. Your expertise in mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and repairs will contribute to the overall efficiency and productivity of our operations.

This is a rare opportunity to get in on the ground level of a factory rebuild which will give you the opportunity to be part of the equipment installation and commissioning – this means we are looking for an individual who can contribute to the new operations systems and who demonstrates autonomy and a high level of ownership and tenacity.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and repairs on a wide range of mechanical equipment, including but not limited to production machinery, conveyors, pumps, motors, and pneumatic systems
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues, identify the root causes, and implement appropriate solutions to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency
• Preparation, improvement, and control of Preventative Maintenance programs and make ongoing amendments to minimise risk of repeat failures
• Develop and execute maintenance plans, schedules, and procedures, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies
• Perform Route Cause Analysis on all equipment to increase reliability
• Assist with development of LOTO policies and procedures
• Conduct equipment adjustments, alignments, and calibrations to ensure optimal performance and adherence to quality standards
• Work with the Production Team to develop and improve equipment performance

Skills, knowledge and experience required:

• Mechanical Trade Qualified with experience in food manufacturing environment
• Experience welding, boiler making, fitting and machining
• Sound knowledge of Maintenance Management Systems (Maintain X preferrable or MEX /SAP), with experience in developing and implementation of a site maintenance strategy
• FMCG Manufacturing and Packaging machine experience highly regarded
• Excellent communication, troubleshooting & problem-solving skills
• Willingness to assist Production Team with machine operation
• Flexible approach and adaptability to change with high attention to detail
• Good time management skills and ability to work well under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
• Desirable additional skills: Electrical disconnect /reconnect licence, Forklift license, Confined Space licence

What we offer:

• Career opportunity with growth potential
• Dynamic and innovative environment
• Collaborative and supportive work environment

Murray River Pet Food specialises in high-quality pet food manufacturing. An innovative regional organisation located on the beautiful Murray River, we are a division of Staughton Group which is a dynamic family owned Australian business leading the manufacturing industry.

We use innovative air-drying technology to manufacture premium Australian pet food and treats for both private label and own brand lines. Murray River Pet Food is constantly researching and developing new processes to ensure our products are top quality, ground-breaking and accessible to the wholesale and retail markets.

Started over 30 years ago, Staughton Group remains proudly family owned and operated. Our innovative business entities offer a professional, friendly, can-do culture and excellent career prospects exist thanks to the rapid growth of our businesses.

Our values make us who we are: Pride, Integrity, Innovation, Tenacity and Collaboration.

For further information or a confidentially discussion contact the People and Culture team on or email

MRPF is an equal opportunity employer

All applications will be treated in strict confidence