Plumber (Abeokuta) at ReelFruit

• The Plumber is responsible for the installation, repair, and preventive maintenance of all plumbing systems within the dried fruit processing facility. This role is crucial in ensuring that water supply, drainage, effluent system and equipment pipe system function efficiently to support continuous production operations. The candidate must have extensive hands-on experience handling industrial plumbing systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and working within a food processing environment where hygiene and safety are paramount.
• The ideal candidate should be adept at reading blueprints, working with stainless steel and PVC piping, and ensuring compliance with food industry regulations. Additionally, they should have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including electrical, mechanical, quality and production staff, to maintain optimal factory conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Installation & Upgrades of Plumbing Systems

• Install, repair, and maintain potable water supply lines, industrial drainage systems, and effluent systems.
• Design and implement plumbing layouts for new production lines, ensuring efficient water distribution and drainage.
• Install and calibrate water filtration systems, steam valves, and high-pressure piping to support food production processes.
• Modify existing piping infrastructure to accommodate new factory expansions or equipment upgrades.
• Perform welding, soldering, and pipefitting on copper, PVC, stainless steel, and galvanized pipes.

Preventive Maintenance & Inspections

• Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on plumbing infrastructure, including routine inspections of pipes, valves, pressure regulators, and pumps.
• Identify potential failures or leaks and perform proactive maintenance to prevent downtime in the production line.
• Maintain and service feedwater systems, grease traps, sump pumps, and wastewater treatment systems to prevent contamination.
• Inspect and maintain handwashing stations, restrooms, and sanitary drainage systems in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Record all maintenance activities in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and designated factory logs.

Troubleshooting & Emergency Repairs

• Respond immediately to plumbing emergencies, including pipe bursts, leaks, drainage blockages, and boiler failures.
• Diagnose the root cause of issues.
• Repair or replace malfunctioning valves, pumps, seals, and other plumbing components with minimal disruption to production.
• Work alongside the electrical and mechanical maintenance teams to troubleshoot and repair water-related components in food processing equipment (e.g., blanchers, washers, pasteurizers).

Compliance with Safety & Food Industry Standards

• Ensure all plumbing installations and repairs comply with local building codes, factory safety standards, and food processing hygiene regulations.
• Implement backflow prevention measures to prevent cross-contamination of potable and wastewater.
• Follow Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to maintain a sanitary plumbing system.
• Conduct risk assessments before carrying out maintenance in sensitive food production areas.
• Maintain proper chemical handling procedures for disinfectants and descaling agents used in cleaning water systems.
• Support for Production Equipment & Infrastructure
• Work closely with the Engineering and Production teams to install and maintain water-related components of industrial equipment, such as: Blanchers, Cooling systems and refrigeration units, Handwashing stations and sanitation units, assist in maintaining HVAC and cooling systems that impact humidity levels within the factory.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed logs of all plumbing repairs, replacements, and upgrades.
• Prepare reports on water system performance, highlighting areas that need improvement.
• Track inventory of plumbing supplies and request materials before critical shortages occur.
• Participate in weekly maintenance meetings to provide updates on plumbing system conditions.

Educational Qualifications, Experience & Requirements

• BSc., Technical certification or diploma in Plumbing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a plumber, preferably in a food processing or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of plumbing codes, piping systems, water and effluent treatment principles.
• Experience working with high-pressure water systems, steam lines, and compressed air systems is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Basic welding, soldering, and pipe-fitting skills are an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety and hygiene.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills to coordinate with maintenance and production teams.
• Physical stamina and ability to work in industrial environments.