What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shop Technician position at JC Watson Packing Co.?
Position Summary
The Shop Technician is responsible for maintaining and performing basic repairs on the company’s fleet of agricultural and operational equipment. This position focuses primarily on the inspection, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of forklifts, pickups, tractors, trucks, trailers, and other farm and packing shed equipment.
The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, dependable, safety-minded, and comfortable working in a hands-on agricultural environment. The Shop Technician will help keep equipment safe, reliable, and available for daily farming, harvest, storage, and packing operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- Perform routine preventative maintenance on forklifts, pickups, tractors, trucks, trailers, and other company equipment.
- Conduct regular inspections to identify mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or operational issues before they result in equipment downtime.
- Perform basic repairs and adjustments on engines, brakes, steering, suspension, hydraulics, electrical systems, belts, hoses, tires, and other components.
- Service and maintain forklift equipment, including routine inspections, fluid changes, battery maintenance, tires, and basic repairs.
- Maintain and service farm tractors and equipment used in planting, harvesting, hauling, and general farm operations.
- Perform basic maintenance and repairs on company pickups, trucks, trailers, and other fleet vehicles.
- Assist with diagnosing equipment problems and determine when repairs can be completed in-house versus when outside repair services are needed.
- Coordinate with supervisors and outside vendors when specialized repairs or services are required.
- Assist with seasonal preparation and readiness of equipment before planting, harvest, storage, and packing seasons.
Preventative Maintenance & Shop Operations
- Follow established preventative maintenance schedules and manufacturer recommendations.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment inspections, maintenance, repairs, and parts used.
- Monitor equipment condition and communicate repair needs or potential problems to management.
- Maintain an organized, clean, and safe shop and work area.
- Maintain appropriate inventory of commonly used parts, fluids, filters, tools, and shop supplies.
- Assist with ordering parts and supplies as directed.
- Properly use, maintain, and store tools and shop equipment.
- Assist with maintaining company vehicles and equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Conduct equipment inspections and report safety concerns immediately.
- Ensure equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with applicable safety requirements and manufacturer guidelines.
- Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Maintain safe work practices when working around moving equipment, vehicles, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and heavy machinery.
- Support a safe working environment for employees operating or working around company equipment.
General Responsibilities
- Respond to equipment maintenance needs in a timely manner to minimize operational downtime.
- Communicate effectively with farm, harvest, storage, packing, and management personnel regarding equipment needs and availability.
- Assist other maintenance and operations personnel as needed.
- Be available for occasional extended hours, weekends, or seasonal work during periods of high operational demand.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience performing mechanical maintenance or basic repairs on vehicles, agricultural equipment, or industrial equipment.
- Working knowledge of basic mechanical systems and repair practices.
- Ability to use common hand and power tools safely and effectively.
- Ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and equipment problems.
- Ability to read and follow maintenance instructions, equipment manuals, and safety procedures.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work independently while also working effectively as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to equipment safety and reliability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience maintaining or repairing forklifts, tractors, pickups, trucks, trailers, or agricultural equipment.
- Previous experience in an agricultural, farming, equipment, trucking, or food-processing environment.
- Basic knowledge of hydraulic, electrical, diesel, and gasoline-powered equipment.
- Welding or fabrication experience.
- Experience with preventative maintenance programs and maintenance records.
- Forklift operator certification or experience.
- CDL or experience working with commercial trucks and trailers.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
- Ability to routinely lift and move tools, parts, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work around heavy machinery, vehicles, agricultural equipment, dust, dirt, noise, and varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely perform hands-on maintenance and repairs in shop, farm, field, storage, and packing environments.
- Ability to work at heights when necessary and when using appropriate safety equipment.
Key Success Factors
Success in this position requires someone who is:
- Mechanically capable – Can identify problems and perform basic repairs without excessive supervision.
- Preventative-minded – Looks for issues before they become costly breakdowns.
- Dependable – Responds when equipment needs attention and follows through on repairs.
- Safety-focused – Understands that properly maintained equipment is critical to employee safety.
- Resourceful – Can troubleshoot problems and determine practical solutions.
- Organized – Keeps maintenance records, tools, parts, and work areas in order.
- Team-oriented – Communicates effectively with farm, harvest, packing, and management teams.
- Flexible – Understands that equipment needs can change quickly, particularly during planting, harvest, and packing seasons.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Prescription drug insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a strong working knowledge of basic mechanical systems and repair practices?
Experience:
- mechanical maintenance on vehicle or ag equipment repair: 1 year (Required)
- farm or agriculture: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25