Position Summary:

The Head Farm Mechanic is responsible for a variety of tasks associated with the repair and maintenance of farm machinery and equipment. This position maintains the shop, equipment, and materials in safe and orderly conditions, as well as provides their own tools. The role is essential to support organizational goals and model best practices, guided by our values of Excellence, Accountability, Transparency and Stewardship (EATS).

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Maintains, repairs, and overhauls farm machinery, including tractors, sprayers, harvesters, and utility vehicles.
•  Diagnoses and repairs multiple generations and models of different tractor computers and electrical systems.
•  Disassembles and reassembles machines and equipment, testing operation and making necessary adjustments.
•  Performs scheduled preventative maintenance, drivability performance assessments, and safety checks on vehicles and equipment.
•  Reads work orders or descriptions of problems to determine necessary repairs or modifications.
•  Diagnoses and resolves electrical or mechanical malfunctions or failures.
•  Conducts inspections to identify damage, defects, or wear in mechanical equipment.
•  Installs machine or equipment replacement parts and ensures proper functionality.
•  Cleans and lubricates parts as part of routine maintenance.
•  Performs in-field breakdown repairs without shop assistance when necessary.
•  Drives trucks to transport tools and equipment for on-site repairs of large machinery.
•  Ensures all farm vehicles and equipment comply with safety and operational standards.
•  Completes and submits maintenance reports, work orders, and purchase orders in a timely manner.
•  Supports and promotes the purchase process and maintenance records for all equipment.
•  Collaborates with farm supervisors and managers regarding equipment issues, safety concerns, and cost-effectiveness.
•  Participates in safety inspections, incident investigations, and safety meetings as required.
•  Analyzes cost-effectiveness of equipment repairs versus replacement options.
•  Establishes and maintains effective communication with management, co-workers, vendors, and other business contacts.
•  Maintains a safe, clean, and organized work area.
•  Performs all duties in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and farm safety regulations.
•  Supports and promotes company and departmental safety and food safety policies and process.
•  Supports and promotes company and departmental values and goals.
•  Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily, including all important aspects of the job- whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•  Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
•  Knowledge of farm machinery, tools, and equipment, including their designs, uses, and maintenance.
•  Expertise in using diagnostic readers and technology for farm equipment.
•  Proficiency in air conditioning systems, line strainers, and filtration systems of cab tractors.
•  Ability to assess and perform a cost-benefit analysis of repairs versus equipment replacement.
•  Ability to work independently and diagnose in-field breakdowns effectively.
•  Ability to lift and handle physically demanding tasks.
•  Ability to follow directions and safety protocols precisely.
•  Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with employees and management.
•  Ability to work in a fast-paced farm environment and manage multiple priorities.
•  Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications:

•  High School Diploma or equivalent, preferred.
•  3+ years of experience as a mechanic, with farm machinery experience preferred.
•  Mechanic certification a plus.
•  Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the Company’s insurance carrier.
•  Bilingual verbal and written English/Spanish, preferred.