Job Details

Job Summary

Purdue Ag Centers is seeking a Lead Maintenance Mechanic. The primary responsibility will be to repair and maintain research center’s equipment fleet, fabrication and modification of equipment. In addition, you will be responsible for agricultural and heavy equipment earthworks operations. Additional duties will include:

Research Equipment and Facilities Maintenance and Repair

• Document equipment inventory, ensure equipment is available (rented or purchased) and ready for use when necessary and record maintenance records and reports, filed for reference
• Serve as subject matter expert on all aspects of equipment operation, maintenance, and repairs
• Identify and remedy multifaceted problems associated with mechanical, hydraulic and electronic systems in research and large agricultural and construction equipment
• Implement modifications or repairs that maintain efficient and successful machine function
• Create, construct or modify various metal implements to ease and facilitate field research needs and/or enhance performance and efficiency
• Organize equipment and shop resources for maximum safety and ergonomic efficiency
• Proficient use of metal working tools including welders, cutters, torches etc.
• Diligently document services performed and data collected
• Develop professional relationships with various equipment vendor service technicians and parts staff to develop solutions to remedy complex problems
• Provide detailed inspection and recommendations on equipment fleet
• Initiate alternative solutions when original ideas are not feasibly executed
• Recognize obstacles during planning phases and offer constructive solutions
• Plan work through shop when timing is appropriate for equipment, and complete work in timely manner
• Communicate with staff, vendors, retailers and public individuals regarding equipment issues and solutions
• Direct shop workflow and jobs
• Responsible for securing job materials, parts, including ordering and available when projects begin
• Provide guidance, training and instruction in shop environment to research staff; Ensure all users are trained on proper safety practices

Research Equipment Operation

• Operate commercial agricultural equipment in a research capacity such as tractors, sprayers, planters and combines
• Operate forestry related equipment such as loaders and chain saws to support research operations
• Setup and operation of Real Time Kinetic GPS and/or Laser systems for machine function
• Review and recognize obstacles during planning phases of research projects and use prior experiences to offer constructive solutions. Implement moderate improvements to enhance performance of area.
• Utilize a variety of software interfaces to setup, calibrate, collect and retrieve data for a multitude of field research activities
• Incorporate electronic hardware to various pieces of equipment
• Interface with software to automatically or manually achieve desired machine function. i.e. planting rate, speed, steering, depth, down force, application rate, etc.
• Setup and adjust equipment to optimize performance
• Document equipment calibrations, set up and settings
• Utilize precision agriculture equipment to enhance field research efforts
• Offer and execute solutions that contribute to overall goals of research project
• Utilize precision agriculture equipment to enhance field research efforts
• Participate and complete continuing education regarding technology and procedures related to job responsibilities

Heavy Equipment Operation

• Operate earth moving equipment such as dozers, excavators, scrapers, pans, backhoes and skid loaders
• Load and unload equipment, gravel, and grain from various trailers and trucks.
• Setup and operation of Real Time Kinetic GPS and/or Laser systems for machine function
• Install and maintain waterways, ditches, tile to proper design specifications
• Create and/or maintain access yards and roads on the property
• Review and recognize obstacles during planning phases of research or earthwork projects and offer constructive solutions.
• Incorporate electronic hardware to various pieces of equipment
• Interface with software to automatically or manually achieve desired machine function. i.e. grade, speed, steering, depth, etc.
• Operate semi-trucks to move equipment and grain. Operate dump truck to haul rock as needed.
• Setup and adjust equipment to optimize performance
• Document equipment calibrations, set up and settings
• Offer and execute solutions that contribute to overall goals of project
• Participate and complete continuing education regarding technology and procedures related to job responsibilities

General Research and Outreach Ag Center Duties

• Serve as team lead and have working supervision over part time employees, research technicians and students
• Collect plant, soil and water samples
• Participate in planning, preparing and coordinating research plots, field days and programs
• Assist research teams with data collection and archiving
• General maintenance of facilities and grounds, including batwing, zero turn, and boom mowers
• Utilize computers to collect and transfer data, calculate solutions and communicate ideas
• Foster a work environment that encourages collaboration, teamwork, responsible work ethic, and synergies of staff
• Maintain a safe work environment for coworkers and others; Ensure all users are trained on proper safety practices

Required:

• High School Diploma/GED
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience with equipment repair, modification and maintenance
• Possess or have the ability to acquire a Cat 1A pesticide applicator license within 6 months of hire date
• Obtain other certification and/or licensing in regulated areas as needed
• Troubleshooting and resolving mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic problems associated with equipment
• Research and heavy equipment operation utilizing GPS and laser systems
• Welding and metal working skills
• Ability to work some over-time
• Valid U.S. or Canadian drivers license
• Possess or have the ability to acquire a class A commercial driver license upon hire date
• Become approved to drive Purdue University vehicles

Preferred:

• Agricultural & Heavy equipment operator and welding experience

Additional Information:

• This position is located in Wanatah, IN
• Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply