Vehicle Mechanic - Waseca, MN

This is a 100% full-time position located at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) in Waseca, MN. The Vehicle Mechanic is responsible for maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and modification of vehicles, agricultural equipment, research equipment, and facility related equipment supporting SROC's agronomy, soil and nutrient management, horticulture, nematology, livestock, and renewable energy/liquid plasma research programs at the SROC. The position also provides support for building and facility equipment and assists with center operations during periods of high labor demand.

The typical work schedule is 40 hours per week, eight hours per day, throughout the year. Most work is performed Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required for emergency repairs or periods of high operational demand. The position reports to the SROC Director of Operations.

• Perform routine maintenance on tractors, trucks, cars, utility vehicles, and other equipment in the SROC Fleet
• Service, repair and adjust tractors, combines, skid loaders, tillage equipment, planters, sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, trailers, weighing systems, ventilation systems, feed mill, grain dryer, grain handling system, and other equipment
• Inspect, repair and adjust automotive and agricultural power systems such as gasoline and diesel fuel injection, electrical, exhaust, carburetor, hydraulic and lubrication systems.
• Overhaul small engines, maintain and repair drive train on utility vehicles, lawn mowers, tillers, and other small equipment
• Modify, adapt, or construct production and research equipment needed by SROC research programs by welding, brazing, soldering, and drilling steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.
• Use various computerized equipment for diagnostic testing on automotive, tractors, combines, choppers, and other equipment.
• Repair and replace motors, switches, and relays on low voltage (12 VDC) wiring systems on research and production equipment.
• Replace, repair and adjust components to include ignitions, brake pads, shoes, drums, rotors, bearings, hoses, lights, tires, tailgates, lifts, etc.
• Disassemble and overhaul engines: automobiles, trucks, farm equipment (tractor, etc.)
• Operate equipment necessary to repair, replace and overhaul equipment (drill press, hoists, jacks, compressors, lathes, mills, etc.). Position drills, welds and grinds to modify and fabricate parts.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair electrical generators for livestock facilities and administration building
• Maintain vehicle and equipment interiors and exteriors

• Provide cost estimates for machinery repairs
• Develop recommendations based on failure analysis to avoid equipment down-time
• Maintain inventory of parts, oils, lubricants, filters, tools and other shop supplies, and order repair parts
• Keep accurate records of work activities and repairs and maintenance schedules in various manual and electronic databases
• Develop and implement equipment maintenance schedules and ensure compliance with applicable DOT inspection and recordkeeping requirements
• Know and understand Department of Transportation Inspection rules and record keeping needs
• Complete annual detailed vehicle inspection reports for University Fleet Services and tabs for vehicles
• Monthly inspections and logging reports of fueling station, fuel tanks, large electric transformers, and electrical generators
• Update other staff on safety and maintenance procedures for equipment being used
• Scan, justify, and reconcile procurement card invoices through university online portals
• Maintain a clean and orderly shop

• Assist with planting, spraying,…