The Ag Mechanic will be responsible for maintenance, repair, fabrication, and installations of all equipment in support of various field trial research services offered by Alpha Ag Research. Primary attention will be given to managing shop projects that keep an existing fleet of equipment in excellent working order to enable their efficient use during the season. You will be responsible for ensuring functionality and reliability of machines, engines and mechanical systems.
Examples of equipment used for field research projects include tractors, planters, sprayers, side-dress applicators, small engines, heavy duty semi-trucks, trailers, combines and a small fleet of pickups and cars.
The Ag Mechanic will also provide field support by operating equipment as needed to plant and harvest several small plot field trials near Sanborn, Iowa as well as satellite locations across northern Iowa and northeast Nebraska. Administering procedures that ensure quality, efficiency and safety are of upmost importance.
The successful candidate will possess a positive attitude, honesty, integrity and willingness to learn. Attention to detail is a must. Basic agronomic knowledge and ability to work outdoors in a field setting will be required. Farm background is preferred but not required. The ability to properly operate, calibrate and adjust field research equipment as-needed is essential. Excellent organization aptitude is also required to assist as needed with fabrication, repair, calibrations and routine maintenance of research equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, planters, liquid side-dress equipment, drones, sprayers and combines.
This is an excellent opportunity to work with leading edge agricultural innovators and a team of progressively focused ag research professionals to independently field test modern crop related technologies in the heart of corn and soybean production.
Responsibilities:
Examples of equipment used for field research projects include tractors, planters, sprayers, side-dress applicators, small engines, heavy duty semi-trucks, trailers, combines and a small fleet of pickups and cars.
The Ag Mechanic will also provide field support by operating equipment as needed to plant and harvest several small plot field trials near Sanborn, Iowa as well as satellite locations across northern Iowa and northeast Nebraska. Administering procedures that ensure quality, efficiency and safety are of upmost importance.
The successful candidate will possess a positive attitude, honesty, integrity and willingness to learn. Attention to detail is a must. Basic agronomic knowledge and ability to work outdoors in a field setting will be required. Farm background is preferred but not required. The ability to properly operate, calibrate and adjust field research equipment as-needed is essential. Excellent organization aptitude is also required to assist as needed with fabrication, repair, calibrations and routine maintenance of research equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, planters, liquid side-dress equipment, drones, sprayers and combines.
This is an excellent opportunity to work with leading edge agricultural innovators and a team of progressively focused ag research professionals to independently field test modern crop related technologies in the heart of corn and soybean production.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure that company assets are well-cared for, calibrated, and properly maintained.
- Conduct repairs aiming for maximum reliability
- Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner
- Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment and systems
- Clean and apply lubricants to machinery components
- Replenish fluids and components of engines and machinery
- Cleans and organizes equipment
- Undertake other duties as assigned (e.g. repair of hydraulic systems, painting vehicles etc.)
- Planting, field plot maintenance, data collection and harvesting of yield trials.
- Ensure timely planting and harvest to support quality data collection necessary for project reports and statistical analysis.
- Accountable for safe transportation of research equipment to and from testing sites.
- Fabrication/repair of equipment related to business interests Alpha Ag Research and its enterprises.
- Maintain a safe work environment and safe work habits.
- Maintain and care for all shop tools, machines and equipment.
- Operate equipment with extreme care and caution.
- Seasonal overnight travel is required, but limited.
- Required Skills/Experience:
- Excellent mechanical aptitude.
- Proven experience as Mechanic
- Excellent knowledge of machinery and hydraulic, electrical and other systems and their components
- Ability to maintain safe and clean work environment
- Very good communication skills
- A problem-solving ability
- Very good physical strength and stamina
- Occasional lifting of up to 60 lbs.
- Knowledge of crop production, farming practices, and farm equipment operation and repair.
- Ability to travel overnight seasonally.
- Certification from a vocational school or completion of apprenticeship is a definite plus
- Ability to obtain a Class A CDL.
- Possess Iowa commercial applicator license (categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 10) or ability to obtain.
- Familiarity with field research methodologies.
- Experience with small or large plot research.
- Experience with use and operation of drones for agronomic data collection.
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team.
- Ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Ability to travel overnight seasonally approximately 15 nights per year.