Working Maintenance Lead Hand (Greenhouse Automation & Infrastructure)
Location: Niagara Region (Lincoln, ON)
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Compensation: $30.00 – $40.00 / hour (Commensurate with experience and trade skills)
Benefits: Health Spending Account and Disability
About the Role
We are a modern, highly automated commercial greenhouse facility looking for a resourceful, proactive Working Maintenance Lead Hand to take ownership of our facility’s infrastructure, production machinery, and maintenance team.
This is a hybrid leadership and hands-on role. You won’t be sitting at a desk—you will be the technical anchor on the floor, handling advanced troubleshooting, custom machinery modifications, and preventative maintenance alongside a small team. Beyond managing internal staff, you will act as the key point of contact for external partners, managing project scopes, timelines, and contractor safety to ensure all facility upgrades and specialized repairs are executed flawlessly.
Key ResponsibilitiesHands-On Technical Execution (65% of the role)
- Advanced Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic failures on high-speed automated production machinery (including tray/crate washers, soil mixing equipment, and conveyors).
- Fabrication & Modifications: Use strong welding and fabrication skills (steel and aluminum) to modify existing machinery, build custom brackets, and optimize equipment layouts for changing operational needs.
- Electrical & Automation Support: Read electrical schematics, use a multimeter to safely troubleshoot 24V control circuits, and diagnose physical sensor or relay faults in automated control cabinets.
- Systems Maintenance: Oversee and service critical facility infrastructure, including boiler heating distribution loops, automated irrigation/recirculation dosing systems, facility grounds and offshore housing.
Operations / Contractor & Project Coordination (20% of the role)
- External Partner Management: Coordinate on-site contractors, specialized trades (e.g., commercial electricians, HVAC, service technicians, and industrial suppliers.
- Project Planning: Define clear project work scopes, establish realistic timelines, and communicate expected outcomes to external crews before work begins.
- Oversight & Safety: Actively monitor contractor safety compliance, on-site progress, and the overall quality of workmanship while they are on the property.
- Sign-Off & Quality Control: Inspect and verify all completed external work to ensure it meets facility standards and technical specifications before formal acceptance and sign-off.
Shop Leadership & Staff Coordination (15% of the role)
- Team Leadership: Act as the direct supervisor on the floor—assigning daily tasks to junior maintenance staff, cross-training team members, and ensuring strict compliance with Ontario Occupational Health and Safety standards (including lockout/tagout).
- Inventory & Control: Take charge of the maintenance shop. Proactively track and order critical spare parts, manage tool inventories, and maintain a clean, organized workspace.
- Preventative Maintenance (PM): Own the facility's PM calendar. Schedule and execute routine overhauls during low-impact windows so the facility remains out of "firefighting" mode during peak production.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in industrial maintenance, millwrighting, or agricultural equipment repair. Experience within a high-volume greenhouse is a major asset.
- Project Oversight: Proven ability to communicate effectively with external trades, evaluate technical workmanship, and keep facility projects on schedule.
- Fabrication Skills: Proven proficiency in welding (MIG/Stick) and working with steel and aluminum to customize or repair structural components.
- Technical Aptitude: Strong competence in diagnosing mechanical drive systems, gearboxes, pumps, pneumatics, and low-voltage electrical controls.
- Leadership Mindset: Previous experience as a lead hand, foreman, or supervisor is preferred. You must be comfortable directing others, keeping a shop organized, and enforcing safety protocols.
What We Offer
- A stable, year-round position in a progressive agricultural operation that continuously invests in new technology.
- The autonomy to manage the maintenance department, innovate layouts, and drive facility projects.
- Competitive hourly compensation with room for career growth as our operations expand.
To Apply:
If you are a resourceful, mechanically expert problem solver who takes pride in a well-run shop and enjoys leading both projects and teams by example, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief summary of your fabrication and mechanical experience to [email protected].
Pay: $30.00-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
