Process Technician

Balco Australia Pty Ltd is a major supplier of hay and straw products to international markets. Balco is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on workplace health and safety and ensuring the quality of our product.

We are currently seeking skilled, qualified and motivated individuals to join the Balco production team based at Brookton (Western Australia).

Responsibilities:

As Process Technician your primary task will be to operate, monitor and/or maintain the processing plant including material flow, mechanical operations through computer controls and adjust where necessary for efficient and safe hay processing operations. Applying technical aptitude, you will be responsible for the following:

1. Monitor and oversee the infeed supply, including fine-tuning automation systems, ensuring the delivery of materials, adjusting blending rates, teaser speeds, infeed bed speeds, and snub pressures for optimal operation.
2. Operate, inspect, and maintain plant equipment, including detection, diagnosis, and rectification of faults in plant machinery such as strappers, balers, auto wrappers, press automation systems, hydraulics, and mobile plant.
3. Design, troubleshoot, and optimise operational processes, including startup and shutdown procedures for various plant systems.
4. Conduct routine monitoring, sampling, inspections, and record-keeping in shift logbooks to ensure continuous plant performance and safety.
5. Analyse operational data and production schedules to determine the best worker and equipment settings, including press cycle times, snub pressure, bale weights, log weights, pack weights, and container weights, to maximize productivity and efficiency.
6. Assist in developing new process designs and improvements to create effective maintenance schedules and ensure equipment runs efficiently.
7. Ensure the safe operation of the process plant in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and company safety initiatives, actively participating in safety programs and risk assessments for new equipment.
8. Liaise with relevant personnel to coordinate process improvements, troubleshoot technical issues, and maintain plant efficiency.
9. Provide support, guidance, training, and mentorship to technicians-in-training, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
10. Assist in loading and unloading raw and finished products as required, supporting logistics and production flow.
11. Report on safety, plant performance, and technical issues, raising concerns promptly with the goal of optimising plant productivity and safety standards.

Skills and experience:

1. Trade or degree qualified in relevant area (e.g., mechanical, hydraulic, automation, electrical).
2. At least two years of previous experience as process technician in similar industry/field preferred.
3. Sound mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical knowledge (fault finding).
4. Sound knowledge/experience with automation systems and flow paths advantageous.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a high performing team.
6. Demonstrated commitment to safety values and behaviours.
7. Forklift license advantageous.
8. Good communication skills combined with being a team player is a must.

What we offer you:

Balco offers a safe work environment with a values driven culture. Internal training and promotion opportunities are available along with a competitive salary.

Salary offered will be dependent on level of skill, qualification and classification and will be between $70,000 - $100,000 per annum + super.

Applications must:

1. address the above criteria in a tailored resume and cover letter.

Applications are scheduled to close 5:00pm 6th October 2025.