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Athens Services

Waste collection, recycling, and environmental services

Plant Maintenance Technician

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$26.19 - $38.89/hr
Junior
Irwindale, CA, USA
In Person
General Maintenance & RepairEquipment Maintenance

About the job

Requirements
  • At least 1 year of maintenance and repair experience in a production-style environment.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Knowledge of fabrication, including MIG, TIG, arc, oxy-acetylene, and brazing.
  • Sufficient working knowledge of plant component repairs and replacements.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and identify electrical and mechanical issues and complete work safely and promptly.
  • Ability to perform all tasks safely and in accordance with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules and regulations.
  • Valid Class C driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Must possess personal tools and own a toolbox.
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Ability to stand, walk, see, hear, smell, problem-solve, communicate orally and in writing, concentrate, work at heights and around heavy machinery, coordinate hand and eye movements, and handle materials continuously.
  • Ability to bend, reach, stretch, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds continuously.
  • Ability to work in exposure to dust, smoke, fumes, odors, grease, oil, chemicals, wet and slippery surfaces, hot and cold conditions, and noise continuously, both indoors and outdoors.
Responsibilities
  • Observe mechanical devices in operation and troubleshoot problems.
  • Dismantle devices to access and remove defective parts using hoists, hand tools, and power tools.
  • Inspect used parts for dimensional changes using rulers, calipers, micrometers, and other measuring instruments.
  • Adjust functional parts of devices and control instruments using hand or power tools.
  • Repair or replace defective parts.
  • Advise the Maintenance Supervisor or Manager of operational problems.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Comply with company safety, health, environmental, and other policies, procedures, and requirements.
  • Perform preventative plant maintenance, including general plant maintenance inspections, diagnosis, and repairs.
  • Perform welding and cutting as needed.
  • Maintain, repair, and clean MRF equipment, including upper and lower shaker decks, conveyor tunnels, walking floor tunnels, conveyors, beds, and head and tail pulleys.
  • Maintain, repair, and clean exhaust fans, including air and carbon filters.
  • Perform housekeeping and cleaning responsibilities as needed throughout the shift.
Desired Qualifications
  • Trade school certification.
  • Bilingual English and Spanish.
  • Welder certification.
  • Experience in the waste, rock and sand, concrete, or asphalt industries.

About the company

Athens Services provides waste collection, recycling, and environmental services for residential, commercial, and public-sector customers in the greater Los Angeles area. It operates through a fleet of trucks and local facilities to collect trash, recycle materials, and compost waste, and it uses reuse and recycling to divert resources from landfills. The company emphasizes personalized, community-focused service and investment in people, technology, and the environment. It differentiates itself by being family-owned and operating with a focus on The Athens Way—great service, strong people, safety, and sustainability—rather than competing purely on scale. The goal is to deliver reliable service while fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for generations to come.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

La Puente, California

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Irwindale MRF targets 70 tons hourly and nearly 200,000 diverted tons annually.
  • Athens expanded Ventura County service starting January 1, 2024, deepening recurring revenue.
  • June 2026 hiring events and training programs signal continued volume growth and labor demand.

What critics are saying

  • AIG's March 24, 2026 lawsuit could exhaust defense cash and distract management.
  • PFAS-linked environmental claims threaten Athens' land-application model and insurance availability.
  • WM and Harrison can undercut bids, risking contract losses in Ventura and Los Angeles.

What makes Athens Services unique

  • Athens opened Irwindale MRF on April 3, 2026, using AI sorting and solar power.
  • Its Southern California franchise density creates hauling, transfer, and disposal synergies.
  • Athens pairs municipal contracts with workforce training programs for Pomona and Ventura.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Professional Development Budget
  • Exceptional Work Environment

Company News

Athens Services
Apr 3rd, 2026
Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF.

Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF. Home - news - Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF. Irwindale MRF ribbon-cutting ceremony marks major milestone. Athens Services recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the City of Irwindale. What is the Irwindale MRF? The Irwindale MRF is a state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility operated by Athens Services that processes residential, commercial, and construction waste using advanced AI-powered sorting technology to improve recycling efficiency and sustainability. State-of-the-Art Irwindale MRF facility features and capabilities. This facility processes a mix of material streams including residential and commercial single stream recycling, C&D materials, organic materials, as well as being open to the public for self-hauling. Sitting on 17-acres and powered in part by solar energy, the Silver LEED Irwindale MRF is equipped with AI and advanced sorting technology. Irwindale MRF supports sustainability in the 626 region. "This facility proudly represents Athens Services' commitment to investing in modern technology to help our cities divert waste from landfills and focus more on sustainable practices, "noted Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President, Government Affairs. "Our presence in Irwindale has always been strong. Along with this highly advanced MRF, we have our hauling yard, our Irwindale Office Center, and provide service to both residential and commercial customers. We greatly value our role as a trusted and collaborative partner to the City." Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Athens Services Anthony Bertrand, Executive Vice President, Athens Services Irwindale MRF leadership highlights vision & impact. Anthony Bertrand, Executive Vice President described the Irwindale MRF as "a labor of love... nearly two decades in the making," emphasizing the strong collaboration between Athens Services, its partners, and the City of Irwindale. Highlighting the facility's impact, they noted it will be "among the highest producing material recovery facilities in the nation," capable of processing massive volumes with advanced technology that captures up to 95% of recoverable materials. Beyond innovation, the project reflects a deeper mission - "a meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship and regional sustainability" - while also creating jobs and long-term opportunities, proving what's possible when "public and private partners share a long-term vision." Irwindale MRF: 20 years in the making. With more than 20 years in the making, this flagship MRF represents a significant milestone not only for Athens Services, but also for the City of Irwindale and Southern California. City of Irwindale leadership supports the new MRF. "Athens Services has been a valued part of the Irwindale community for many years, and we're proud to celebrate the opening of this new MRF in our city," said Irwindale Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz. "This investment brings advanced recycling technology, supports local jobs, and reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future for our region." H. Manuel Ortiz, Mayor of Irwindale

Athens Services
Dec 23rd, 2025
Athens Services Proudly Supports CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive

Athens Services proudly supports CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Athens Services is proud to support the California Highway Patrol's annual CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive, a meaningful holiday tradition that helps deliver new, unwrapped toys to children and teens in need across Southern California. As a family-owned company rooted in the communities Company serve, giving back is part of who Company is, and CHiPs for Kids is one of the ways Company come together to spread kindness and joy during the season. This year, Athens teamed up with CHP and community partners at multiple toy drive locations including West Covina, Ontario, Commerce, and Thousand Oaks. The CBS Los Angeles coverage captured the heart of the effort, highlighting the generosity of residents who showed up to donate and the incredible teamwork that helps make the toy drive successful year after year. Company is grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make a difference. Every toy collected represents a brighter holiday moment for a child, and Company is honored to play a role in supporting families throughout its service areas. From all of Company at Athens Services, thank you for helping bring holiday cheer to its communities. CBS News Los Angeles Emmy Award - winning anchor Amy Johnson speaks with Rondi Guthrie, Vice President of Government Affairs at Athens Services. CBS News coverage of CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Athens Services was featured on CBS Los Angeles for its participation in the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Watch the full segments below:

Recycling Today
Sep 1st, 2025
Athens Services' Irwindale, California, MRF

In June 2025, Athens Services launched its Irwindale MRF, processing 70 tons per hour.

Athens Services
Jun 30th, 2025
Athens Services Named 2025 Business of the Year

Company is proud to share that Athens Services has been named the 2025 business of the year by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.

Greek Travel Pages
May 2nd, 2025
Europe-Africa Summit in Athens to Drive Green Tourism and Investment Opportunities

Athens is set to host the inaugural Europe-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on Monday, May 5, at the Grand Resort Lagonissi, gathering top-level officials, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate green and sustainable tourism development across Africa.