What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Mechanic & Facilities Manager position at Fishkill Farms?
Farm Mechanic & Facilities Manager
About the Position
Fishkill Farms seeks an experienced “all-rounder” to perform mechanical, buildings, facilities and grounds maintenance and repair on our family farm. This full- or part-time position will provide widely varying workdays and constant learning, and requires a minimum of four years of appropriate experience and training.
Fishkill Farms is a 3rd-generation, 270 acre fruit and vegetable farm in the Hudson River Valley, only 70 miles north of New York City. Practicing sustainable farming, our produce is sold through our Pick-Your-Own program, our farm store, farmer’s markets and wholesale. Fishkill Farms grows over 100 acres of eco-certified and organic tree fruit and organic berries. Crops include peaches, cherries, strawberries and over 60 acres of dessert and cider apples, grown primarily for Pick-Your-Own and our popular estate-made artisan hard cider. At peak we host thousands of visitors a day for apple picking. The farm produces its own fresh-pressed cider, homemade pies and donuts. Employees are motivated, committed and comprise many diverse backgrounds.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Maintain and repair a variety of farm machinery and vehicles, including tractors, implements, farm trucks, and small power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws and trimmers. Includes parts ordering.
- Maintain and repair buildings and greenhouses, including basic knowledge of heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electricity.
- Manage a crew of one to three to accomplish grounds maintenance responsibilities including: mowing, fencing, landscaping and road maintenance.
- Collaborate with department managers on special projects, and during peak “pick-your-own” weekends
- Document and ensure the maintenance of all on-road vehicles
- Timely service and record-keeping for all machines
- Lead safety training for new hires on tractors, equipment and forklifts.
- Maintain a well-organized and equipped workshop.
- Additional tractor and backhoe work including mowing, ditching, tree removal and other seasonal farm work and field operations as needed.
- Coordinating with professional repair resources and contractors when appropriate.
- Responsibility shared with Production Managers for the selection and purchase of new machinery and vehicles
Potential opportunities:
- Collaborate on design and equipping building renovations.
- GC construction projects.
Requirements:
- At least two years of experience working on farm equipment, small engines and vehicles.
- A minimum of one year of experience working in construction carpentry or building maintenance
- Knowledge of both diesel and gas engines
- Some light welding experience
- Light carpentry and plumbing experience
- Ability to work in a variety of conditions, including a heated workshop, in the field, and in all weather conditions
- Tools are provided by farm
Our Ideal Candidate:
- Has strong communication skills
- Is adept at solving problems
- Has managed staff and works collaboratively with others
- Has trade school certification
- Is safety and detail oriented and keeps an orderly workspace
- Has a background in mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and electrical systems
- Has a minimum of four years of practical and applicable experience
Schedule:
This is a full-time, forty-plus hour-a-week position, paid hourly at a rate that depends on qualifications. During the “Pick Your Own” season one weekend day is required.
Requisites: Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and your own transportation.