Farm Mechanic

Position Summary - The Farm Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, diagnosing, repairing, and servicing all equipment, vehicles, machinery, and facilities used in the daily operation of the cattle farm. This position plays a critical role in minimizing equipment downtime, ensuring safe operations, and supporting the overall efficiency of the farm. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated problem solver with experience working on agricultural equipment, diesel engines, hydraulic systems, welding, and general farm maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on:
  • Semi-trucks and trailers
  • Farm trucks and pickup trucks
  • Tractors
  • Skid steers
  • Loaders
  • Feed trucks and feed mixers
  • Hay equipment (balers, mowers, rakes, tedders, etc.)
  • Manure spreaders
  • Utility vehicles (UTVs)
  • Livestock trailers
• Perform engine, transmission, brake, steering, suspension, and drivetrain repairs.
• Repair and maintain diesel and gasoline engines.
• Service hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and fuel systems.
• Change oils, filters, fluids, belts, hoses, and other wear components.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and repair records.

Livestock Equipment Maintenance

• Repair and maintain cattle handling equipment including:
  • Working chutes
  • Squeeze chutes
  • Head gates
  • Crowd tubs
  • Alleyways
  • Sorting gates
  • Feed bunks
  • Water systems
  • Livestock scales
• Repair and maintain feed delivery equipment and feeding systems.
• Ensure cattle handling equipment remains safe and operational.

Welding & Fabrication

• Perform MIG, TIG, stick, and oxy-acetylene welding as needed.
• Fabricate and modify equipment to improve efficiency.
• Repair trailers, gates, fencing components, equipment frames, and structural steel.
• Manufacture replacement parts when commercially unavailable.

Building & Facility Maintenance

• Perform general repairs and preventative maintenance on farm buildings and facilities.
• Repair:
  • Barns
  • Shops
  • Equipment sheds
  • Feed storage buildings
  • Fencing
  • Corrals and pens
  • Gates
  • Water lines
  • Plumbing systems
  • Basic electrical systems
• Assist with concrete, carpentry, roofing, and structural repairs when necessary.

Preventative Maintenance

• Follow preventative maintenance schedules.
• Inspect equipment regularly to identify potential failures before breakdowns occur.
• Coordinate seasonal maintenance to ensure equipment readiness during planting, hay, feeding, and harvest seasons.
• Keep equipment clean, lubricated, and operating efficiently.

Inventory & Shop Organization

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe maintenance shop.
• Monitor parts inventory and communicate replacement needs.
• Order parts, supplies, fluids, filters, tires, and repair materials as approved.
• Properly maintain shop tools and diagnostic equipment.

Safety

• Follow all farm safety policies and OSHA guidelines where applicable.
• Maintain a clean and hazard-free work environment.
• Safely operate welding equipment, lifts, jacks, forklifts, and other shop equipment.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report safety concerns promptly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Technical training in diesel mechanics, agricultural mechanics, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience repairing agricultural equipment, heavy equipment, diesel engines, or commercial vehicles preferred.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus.
• Welding and fabrication experience required.
• Experience with hydraulic systems, electrical diagnostics, and diesel engine repair preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand, kneel, bend, climb, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work around livestock, dust, mud, grease, and loud equipment.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and shop machinery.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position.
• Monday through Friday with overtime as needed during busy seasons.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or emergency repairs may be required to support farm operations.