Maintenance Technician I

Job DetailsJob Location: Central Kitchen Oregon - Portland, OR 97214Salary Range: $22.68 - $24.20 Hourly

Maintenance Technician I - Food Manufacturing and Production

Full-Time | Hourly (Non-Exempt) $22.68 - $24.20

Salt & Straw is looking for Maintenance Technicians to support our Central Kitchen of Oregon (CKOR) production facility located in Portland’s Central Eastside. The Maintenance Technician supports safe, reliable, and efficient facility and production operations by performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance activities across equipment, machinery, and facility systems. This role works independently on standard maintenance tasks while partnering with senior technicians on more complex repairs and projects. Maintenance Technicians help minimize downtime, support operational continuity, and uphold all food safety, GMP, and workplace safety standards within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What Salt & Straw Maintenance Technicians Do

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and routine repairs on production equipment, machinery, and facility systems
Troubleshoot and complete basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic repairs within scope of training
Accurately log, track, and complete maintenance work orders while maintaining clear and timely documentation
Inspect equipment to verify safe operation, support product quality, and ensure compliance with SOPs and preventive maintenance procedures
Assist with installation, setup, and testing of new or relocated equipment
Perform general facility maintenance including basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and structural upkeep
Follow all food safety, GMP, and OSHA requirements while maintaining a safe and compliant work environment
Maintain organized, clean, and orderly maintenance areas, tools, and parts
Support maintenance inventory by receiving, organizing, tracking, and counting parts and supplies
Communicate effectively with Production and cross-functional teams while proactively escalating issues and supporting action plans

QualificationsThis Role Might Be Right If You:

Have a minimum of 1 year of maintenance or related technical experience
Have a craft apprenticeship, technical certification, or AA degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance preferred
Have working knowledge of basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
Can safely use hand and power tools
Understand preventive maintenance practices and documentation
Demonstrate commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork
Can work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced production environment
Have strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Can adapt to changing priorities and work extended hours as needed
Have basic math proficiency including fractions, percentages, and unit conversion
Are comfortable working around food allergens and within refrigerated/freezer environments

Wage Transparency

We are actively embracing pay transparency by disclosing the hiring wage for this role as $22.68 - $24.20, highlighting its full earning potential within the broader range of $22.68 - $27.72.

What You’ll Get

Everyday Pay: Optional access to earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility.
401(k) with Company Match: Eligible after 3 months of service, with automatic enrollment and a 50% company match on deferrals, up to 1% of pay.
Paid Time Off: Accrues starting at approximately 2 weeks per year, increasing with tenure.
Sick Leave: Forty hours provided after 30 days of employment plus ongoing accrual based on hours worked.
Paid Holidays: Twelve paid holidays annually.
Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage: Available beginning the first of the month following your start date.
Career Development & Tuition Assistance: Career growth opportunities and up to $1,800/year in education reimbursement for eligible programs.
Team Member Discount: Enjoy a 30% discount on our handmade ice cream and merchandise.
Additional Voluntary Benefits: Including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, commuter benefits, and pet insurance.

Important Notes

Food Allergy Warning: This role involves working in an environment where common food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, seafood) are present.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
E-Verify Participation: We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.

Our Values

Create the Unbelievable

Show Up Generously

Act with Thoughtful Curiosity

Share Human Kindness

Make It Count

These values guide everything we do — from the way we scoop, to how we show up for our guests, teammates, and communities.