Farm Equipment Operator

Farm Equipment Operator & Maintenance Lead

Full-Time | Year-Round

Pay: $25–$30/hour, depending on experience

Job Overview:

We are looking for an experienced, dependable Farm Equipment Operator & Maintenance Lead to join our operation full-time. This is a year-round position for someone who is mechanically inclined, has a strong agricultural background, and is comfortable both working in the shop and operating equipment in the field.

The primary responsibility of this position will be taking the lead on the repair, preventative maintenance, and upkeep of our farm equipment and facilities. This person will be responsible for determining what maintenance and repairs need completed, prioritizing that work, and helping make sure our equipment is ready when it is needed.

During maintenance periods, this person may have other employees assigned to help them. They will be expected to direct those employees, assign maintenance and repair tasks, and make sure the work is completed properly. This is not primarily an office or management position—the right person will be working alongside the crew while taking ownership of the maintenance side of the operation.

During planting, harvest, spreading, and other busy seasons, this person will also work alongside the rest of our crew operating farm equipment and helping wherever needed.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in keeping equipment maintained, can identify and troubleshoot problems before they become major repairs, and is comfortable taking responsibility without needing constant supervision.

Responsibilities

• Take the lead on maintenance and repair of our equipment fleet
• Determine maintenance priorities and help develop work plans during maintenance periods
• Direct other employees who are assigned to assist with maintenance and repairs
• Assign tasks and ensure maintenance and repair work is completed correctly
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on tractors, combines, planters, tillage equipment, spreaders, trucks, loaders, and other farm equipment
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and equipment-related problems
• Manage preventative maintenance including oil changes, filters, greasing, wear parts, inspections, and service intervals
• Keep equipment ready to operate during planting, harvest, and spreading seasons
• Maintain and repair farm buildings, shop equipment, and other facilities as needed
• Maintain an organized shop, tools, parts, and maintenance supplies
• Identify upcoming repairs and maintenance needs and communicate them before they cause downtime
• Operate farm equipment during planting, harvest, tillage, and other field operations
• Operate equipment associated with hauling and spreading chicken litter
• Assist with general farm work and other projects as needed

Qualifications

• Farm experience is required.
• The ideal candidate will have:
• Experience operating modern farm equipment
• Strong mechanical ability and experience repairing agricultural or heavy equipment
• Understanding of diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, bearings, chains, sprockets, and other common agricultural equipment components
• Ability to diagnose problems and complete repairs independently
• Ability to organize maintenance work and provide direction to other employees when needed
• Experience with welding and fabrication is a plus
• Ability to safely operate tractors, loaders, combines, trucks, and other large equipment
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• CDL is a plus, but not required
• Ability to perform physical work, lift heavy parts and tools, climb equipment, and work outdoors
• Willingness to work longer hours when necessary during planting, harvest, and other busy seasons

What We’re Looking For

• This position is best suited for someone who is mechanically minded first, but also enjoys farming and operating equipment.
• We want someone who can take ownership of our equipment maintenance program rather than simply waiting to be told what needs fixed. If a bearing is getting loose, a hydraulic hose is beginning to fail, a machine is due for service, or a piece of equipment needs attention before the next season, we want someone who notices it, makes a plan, and gets it taken care of.
• You will have the authority to help organize maintenance work and direct other employees assigned to assist you. We aren’t looking for someone who simply tells everyone else what to do—we want someone who can lead the work while working alongside the crew.
• During the slower parts of the year, much of the job will involve preventative maintenance, repairs, equipment preparation, facility maintenance, and shop projects. During planting, harvest, and spreading seasons, you will transition into more of an equipment operator role and work alongside the rest of the crew.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time, year-round position
• $25–$30/hour depending on experience
• Typical schedule will vary throughout the year
• Longer hours and some weekends will be required during planting, harvest, and other busy seasons
• More predictable hours during slower times of the year
• This is a long-term position with an established agricultural operation. We are looking for someone who wants responsibility, enjoys working around equipment, and takes pride in keeping a fleet maintained and ready to work.

To apply, please submit your resume or a brief description of your farm, equipment operating, mechanical, and leadership experience.

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $30