General Mechanic

This is a 10-month, continuing position located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC), Morris, MN. The position reports to the Facilities and Equipment Supervisor and provides support in the areas of maintenance and repair of livestock facilities, other buildings and grounds, equipment, and supports production farming. UMN West Central Research and Outreach Center is a 1,100 acre research farm located near Morris, MN with approximately 500 acres of pasture and 600 acres of crops. As an active farming operation, WCROC has research programs in the areas of Dairy, Horticulture, Renewable Energy, and Swine. Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages) A successful candidate will have good communication skills, be able to collaborate with others and work as a team. May act as lead worker for part-time, full-time and/or temporary employees. Tasks change seasonally and are generally described below; however, the list below is not limited as other tasks may be assigned as necessary. Facility Maintenance & General Equipment Repair 70% Perform preventive and routine maintenance of facilities throughout WCROC to include but not limited to: livestock facilities, sheds, fencing, mowing and tree trimming. Perform daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections of the WCROC dairy and swine facilities to ensure proper function of production equipment and safety features. Troubleshoot general building issues such as building control systems and alarms, temperature control, air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, water systems, electrical systems, fire suppression, alarm systems, compressors, milk bulk tanks, parlor system, milk piping, chillers, sanitary and cleaning systems, and feed and manure conveyance systems. Maintain backup power generation systems and small motors Perform basic electrical maintenance and repair such as replacing bulbs, ballasts, and switches as well as low voltage tests, servicing and wiring repairs. Replace belts and repair motors on augers, mills, and other equipment. Flush, winterize, and service water heaters and plumbing. Service, troubleshoot, and winterize well water livestock watering and irrigation systems. Drain, service and repair motors on air compressors. Service and repair all doors, change out/build in new locks. Weather proof exterior and interior of buildings Operate and maintain greenhouse heat, ventilation, and watering systems with guidance from the horticulture team. Maintain records for work performed on facilities. Operates snow blowers, front-end loaders, mounted brooms, and other snow removing equipment. Maintain parking areas, sidewalks, driveways, cattle raceways, and trails. Maintain and perform light repairs of water drainage, gutter, diversion, and filtration systems including vegetative treatment areas (VTAs). Perform minor installation and repair of office and outreach space equipment and systems. Assist research programs in modifying and-/- or developing program-specific facilities and equipment. Install, maintain, and-/- or repair safety systems, equipment, and infrastructure across the WCROC. Repair and maintenance of equipment to ensure efficiency of operation and safety. Make emergency field repairs to equipment and overhaul of farm equipment. Maintain records for work performed on equipment maintenance. Operate Adjust, and Maintain Farming Equipment 30% Operate a variety of equipment including but is not limited to: tillage (discs, harrows, field cultivators, deep tillage equipment etc.), corn planters, grain drills, seeders, fertilizers, mowing machines, inverter / rakes, fertilizer applicators, truck driving and harvest operations which include hauling haylage, silage, hay and straw bales, manure, and grain. Maintain records for work performed on farm operations. Essential Qualifications Technical education/training in mechanical maintenance totaling one year and one year of applicable work experience, or a combination of education and experience to total two (2) years. Desired Qualifications Two years of power-driven agricultural or maintenance equipment experience. Must have or have the ability to obtain at minimum a Class B Commercial Driveras License (CDL). The successful candidate is encouraged to obtain the license within three (3) months; However, the license must be obtained within six months of the initial appointment of the position. Position requires the ability to walk or stand for a majority of the day; carry, climb, kneel, lift, push and pull 50 lbs. or more. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Evidence of effective communication, cooperation and collaboration with staff and project investigators.