Lead Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanic

A large commercial dairy farm in Argyle, NY, is seeking an experienced Lead Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanic to take ownership of our farm shop and help keep a busy agricultural operation running reliably.

This is a hands-on leadership position. We are looking for someone who can diagnose and repair equipment, prioritize work, coordinate and delegate repairs, manage parts and outside service needs, and keep equipment moving through the shop efficiently.

Our equipment works hard every day. The right person will be able to identify what is actually wrong, determine the most practical repair approach, and follow the job through until the equipment is safely back in service.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, maintain, and repair diesel-powered agricultural and heavy equipment, including tractors, loaders, skid steers, trucks, trailers, and other farm machinery.
• Troubleshoot diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, drivetrains, brakes, cooling systems, and related mechanical components.
• Lead day-to-day shop operations and prioritize repairs based on operational needs and equipment downtime.
• Coordinate and delegate appropriate repair and maintenance work to other farm employees.
• Follow repairs through to completion and ensure equipment is safely and reliably returned to service.
• Determine when repairs should be completed in-house and when dealer or outside service is the more practical or economical option.
• Coordinate parts ordering, vendor support, and outside repair work as needed.
• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and routine service.
• Identify developing equipment issues and recommend repairs before they result in larger failures or unnecessary downtime.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and equipment modifications as skills and experience allow.
• Assist with troubleshooting and repair of stationary farm equipment, pumps, motors, compressors, and other mechanical systems as needed.
• During crop season, assist with field operations by operating farm and heavy equipment when mechanical priorities allow. This is expected to represent up to approximately 20% of the role during May through October. Prior agricultural-equipment operating experience is not required; training can be provided.
• Maintain an organized, functional shop and appropriate repair and maintenance records.
• Communicate equipment status, repair priorities, parts needs, and anticipated downtime clearly with farm management and equipment operators.
• Provide field troubleshooting and emergency repair support when equipment cannot reasonably be brought into the shop.

Leadership & Growth

This position is intended for someone who can increasingly take ownership of the shop and equipment-maintenance function, allowing farm ownership to focus more time on overall farm management.

For the right candidate, there may also be opportunities to take on additional responsibility related to field equipment, seasonal crop operations, equipment scheduling, and coordination of employees during planting and harvest.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines strong mechanical ability with initiative, efficiency, judgment, and leadership.

Relevant experience may come from agriculture, heavy equipment, construction, trucking, diesel fleet maintenance, buses or motor coaches, equipment dealerships, or similar mechanical environments. Previous dairy or agricultural experience is helpful but not required for someone with strong transferable mechanical skills.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Strong diesel and heavy-equipment diagnostic and repair experience.
• Experience troubleshooting hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Ability to diagnose the underlying cause of equipment problems rather than relying primarily on parts replacement.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple repair priorities.
• Good judgment regarding repair cost, equipment downtime, and when outside service makes sense.
• Ability and willingness to direct or assist other employees performing maintenance and repair work.
• Willingness to operate agricultural and heavy equipment as needed during crop season.
• Experience with agricultural equipment is a plus.
• Welding and fabrication experience is a plus.
• CDL Class A or B is a plus but not required.
• Diesel technology education, ASE/OEM certifications, or similar technical training are valued but not required.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Above all, we are looking for someone who takes ownership: determine what is wrong, develop a practical repair plan, organize the people and parts needed to complete it, get the equipment safely back to work, and move on to the next priority.

Compensation: $30–$45 per hour.

Pay: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 65.0 per week

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $45