Mechanic - AIB

POSITION:    Mechanic

                        Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega and Birmingham, Alabama

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, Deaf Blind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Mechanic role will be responsible for maintenance of industrial type equipment to include sewing equipment, machine shop equipment, and material-handling equipment related to the manufacturing operations for Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB). 

ABOUT YOU

You will play a vital role in the manufacturing operations as you will be a part of the AIDB team in producing high quality work. This position reports to the Supervisor, Maintenance & Janitorial Department. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Certificate

• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience of material handling, forklifts and routine manufacturing equipment.

• Possess a valid Driver’s License and be able to be insured by the AIDB insurance carrier.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, or have other significant disabilities.

• Minimum two (2) years of work experience of maintenance experience in an industrial sewing manufacturing facility.

• Minimum two (2) years of work experience in the repair and maintenance of programmable equipment and robotics

• Knowledge of the following types sewing equipment:

  Lockstitch sewing machine (single and double need)

  Chain stitch machines (single thread and multi-thread, single needle and double needle)

  Over Lock (serger and safety stitch)

  Bottom and Buttonhole Machine

  Steam Irons and Steam System

  Needle positioner, thread trimmers, electronic and pneumatic devices and equipment.

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POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Skills & Physical Demands

• Technical Proficiency: Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair manufacturing machinery to ensure efficient, safe and uninterrupted production.  Work with production team to minimize downtime and maximize equipment reliability.

• Technical Knowledge: Ensure the continuous, safe and efficient operation by troubleshooting breakdowns, executive preventative maintenance and calibrate equipment to prepare for production.

• Physical Capability: Stand and walk for extended lengths of time and lift up to 50 pounds.

• Travel Requirement: Must be able to travel regularly between Talladega and Birmingham manufacturing facilities with approximately 50% of the work spent at each location. 

Process Monitoring & Quality Control

• Machine Setup & Calibration: Assemble, configure and adjust machinery according to production specifications. 

• Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance tasks to eliminate downtime in production.

• Troubleshooting & Repair:  Diagnose mechanical faults and repair or replace defective parts to minimize production downtime.   

• Quality Assurance: Monitor manufacturing process to maintain acceptable standards. 

• Cross-Training & Flexibility: Cross-train on multiple job assignments. 

   

Compliance, Professionalism & Safety

• Regulatory Compliance: Understand, support, and follow the mission of the AbilityOne Program by remaining in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements set forth in the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. Conduct all business ethically and lawfully.

• Professional Attributes: Display organizational skills and the ability to exercise good judgment, and demonstrate a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and a good attendance record. Deal pleasantly and courteously with all of the AIDB Team.

• Safety & First Aid: Comply with all safety requirements. 

• Cultural Sensitivity: Possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, blind, or deaf/blind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. Attend Disability Sensitivity Training within the first six (6) months of employment.

SALARY:      $19.91 - $23.93        Scale C5 Rank 42

The work schedule is based on 8 hours each day with a total of 40 hours each work week.  This is not an exempt position, and is subject to overtime of the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

AIDB Benefits Summary:

The annual employment period will be 260 days to include AIDB Benefits as established by the President and the Board of Trustees.

• Teachers’ Retirement System https://www.rsa-al.gov/trs/

• Supplemental Retirement Programs (RSA-1 and TIAA-CREF)

• Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan https://www.rsa-al.gov/peehip/

• Term Life Insurance

• Leave Policy (Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Personal Leave & Paid Holidays)

• Employee Assistance Services Program

• Focus on Upward Mobility Program

• On-Site Daycare