Maintenance Fitter (Permanent) - Kelso

Culture and Benefits

At Simplot, we are fueled by our purpose: We Contribute to Feeding Our World. We imagine a better future and set goals to reach it. We are committed to working as one Simplot and are guided by our shared values:
 

• Respect for Resources
• Spirit of Innovation
• Passion for People

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We care about creating an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing and where our people feel supported, respected and empowered. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all our team members.

Simplot is passionate about cultivating a future where good ideas and inspiring possibilities have the chance to grow. We want our team members to build exciting and fulfilling careers with us and offer professional and personal growth opportunities.

The Perks

• Annual increase to base rate of pay (per Simplot NCA)
• Attractive shift loadings & overtime rates (where applicable)
• RDO accruals
• Training & development opportunities
• Fully supplied & laundered uniform, boots & PPE
• Income protection insurance provided
• Company provided on-site soft tissue specialist appointments
• Discounted health insurance options

About Our Role

• Permanent Monday to Friday rotating shift position (weekend overtime available)
• Work on a diverse and unique array of food processing fixed plant & equipment
• Base rate of $47.59 p/h (w/annual increase to base rate) + weekend OT paid at double-time for all hours
• 15% afternoon shift loading
• 30% night shift loading

Here at Simplot Kelso we have an opportunity for a suitably qualified and experience Maintenance Fitter to join our dynamic Maintenance team on a permanent Monday to Friday rotating shift roster.  Simplot Kelso is our seafood and snacking processing plant, producing approx. 50 tonnes of product daily (75 SKUs) for the retail and foodservice markets including Birds Eye, I&J and Captain's Catch branded products.  The site employs approx. 120 local employees, with approximately 95% of manufactured goods consisting of either Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) seafood.

Day shift           0630 - 1530hrs
Afternoon shift   1500 - 0000hrs
Night shift         2300 - 0800hrs

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager (via the Mechanical Team Lead), the Maintenance Fitter will perform planned, opportunity and breakdown maintenance activities on a range of food processing fixed plant & equipment in alignment with the site's Maintenance and Production schedules to support plant optimisation, reliability, employee safety and continuous improvement activities.

Working closey with the wider Maintenance team (incl. Electrical / Automation / Projects) in addition to the Production team, this hands-on, technically aligned role will provide mechanical expertise to Simplot Kelso's operations to;

• Identify faults and perform breakdown repairs to minimise downtime and micro-stops caused by production machinery and equipment
• Inspect, test and maintain machinery & equipment in production areas and the wider plant
• Perform general plant and building maintenance work
• Undertake specific project work upon request
• Perform assigned tasks in accordance with all Simplot Safety, Health and Wellbing + Environmental programmes and goals 
• Utilise MEX CMMS to update work orders, search asset history and advise on any maintenance trends or opportunity for improvement and innovation

Site equipment includes;

• Slicer presser, fish finger and Formax processing equipment
• Radio frequency tunnels
• Par frying area
• Dusting, coating and frying / air-frying
• Spiral freezing and frozen stores
• 2 automated, robotic packing and palletising lines

About You

• Possess a 100% commitment to health and safety in the workplace
• Hold a Cert III Engineering - Mechanical (or equivalent)
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings
• Experience with food processing equipment e.g. fillers, closers, packaging equipment, palletisers and conveyor systems will be highly regarded
• Experience of servicing and overhauling various pump types
• Welding experience of MAW and TIG welding, the ability to use workshop equipment e.g. lathes and milling machines in addition to experience with hydraulic & pneumatic systems
• Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Windows suite of products in addition to CMMS software (Simplot use MEX)
• Strong problem-solving analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Motivated and diligent work ethic with a team-player mindset
• Commitment to a rotating shift based roster
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment medical (incl. urine based drug & alcohol screening)

Please click on the "Apply" button to submit your application, ensuring both a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role AND an up-to-date resume are included (noting that you will be redirected to the Simplot Careers portal).

APPLICATIONS CLOSE MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY 28th AUGUST 2026 - Simplot reserve the right to commence shortlisting prior to advert closing date