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
Livestock Equipment Maintenance
Welding & Fabrication
Building & Facility Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance
Inventory & Shop Organization
Safety
Qualifications
Physical Requirements
Work Schedule
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.
