Maintenance Fitter (Permanent) - Kelso

Company Overview

Simplot Australia Pty Ltd operates within the food manufacturing and agriculture sector, specializing in potato, vegetable, seafood, and sauce production. The company delivers a variety of frozen, chilled, and shelf-stable products to top retailers and foodservice clientele across Australia and New Zealand. Globally, Simplot spans 17 manufacturing facilities and serves customers in 37 countries with 15,000 employees worldwide, emphasizing innovation and excellence. In Australia, it is a leading supplier focused on nutritious, sustainable food using premium Australian-grown produce and global seafood, boasting well-known brands such as Leggo's, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West, and Chiko.

Company Culture and Benefits

Guided by the core purpose, "We Contribute to Feeding Our World," Simplot prioritizes respect for resources, innovation, and people. The firm fosters an inclusive workplace committed to safety, wellbeing, and equal opportunity without discrimination. Career development and personal growth are encouraged.

• Annual base pay increases under the Simplot National Certified Agreement (NCA)
• Shift loadings and overtime pay where applicable
• Accumulated rostered days off (RDOs)
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Provision of laundered uniforms, boots, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Income protection insurance coverage
• On-site access to a soft tissue specialist
• Discounts on health insurance plans

Role Details

This permanent Monday to Friday rotating shift role is based at Simplot's Kelso seafood and snacking plant producing approximately 50 tonnes daily across 75 SKUs branded under Birds Eye, I&J, and Captain's Catch. The workforce comprises about 120 employees, with 95% of products certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council or Marine Stewardship Council.

Shift Times:

• Day Shift: 06:30 - 15:30
• Afternoon Shift: 15:00 - 00:00
• Night Shift: 23:00 - 08:00

Compensation: Base pay starting at $47.59 per hour (subject to annual increments), plus double-time for weekend overtime, 15% afternoon shift loading, and 30% night shift loading.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute planned, opportunity, and breakdown maintenance for fixed plant and machinery in the food processing environment to support operational efficiency and safety.
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance teams including Electrical, Automation, and Projects, along with Production teams.
• Diagnose faults and undertake repairs swiftly to minimize production downtime and micro-stoppages.
• Inspect, test, and carry out maintenance on production machinery and plant infrastructure.
• Conduct general maintenance tasks on plant and buildings.
• Participate in special project assignments as required.
• Adhere strictly to Simplot’s safety, health, wellbeing, and environmental protocols.
• Use the MEX Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to update work orders, review asset histories, and suggest maintenance improvements.

Key Equipment Handled

• Slicer presser, fish finger, and Formax processing devices
• Radio frequency tunnels
• Par frying stations
• Dusting, coating, frying and air-frying machinery
• Spiral freezing systems and frozen storage
• Two automated robotic packing and palletising lines

Candidate Profile

• Strong dedication to workplace health and safety standards
• Certification in Engineering Mechanical (Certificate III) or equivalent
• Skilled at interpreting mechanical drawings
• Experience with food processing equipment such as fillers, closers, packaging machines, palletisers, and conveyors is highly valued
• Proven capability in servicing and overhauling a variety of pump types
• Proficient in MAW and TIG welding, and competent with machining tools like lathes and mills; familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Comfortable using the Microsoft Windows environment and CMMS software (specifically MEX)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication abilities
• Motivated, diligent, and cooperative team player
• Willingness to commit to a rotating shift roster
• Will accept a pre-employment medical including urine-based drug and alcohol screening

Additional Information

Application deadline: Midnight, Friday 28 August 2026. Early shortlisting may occur. This position is based at the GF Plant in Kelso, Australia. Simplot is an equal opportunity employer and encourages Indigenous Australians to apply. Contact information is provided for technical assistance related to applications.