POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 9266
GRADE 25
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Field Supervisor
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Head, Agriculture
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic performs preventive maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel-powered farm equipment, machines, and vehicles, such as mowers, tractors, dozers, weed eaters, bush hogs, chain saws, cars and vans. The Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic maintains and repairs small hand and power tools or equipment used in planting, cultivating, and pruning plants, vines, shrubs, and trees. The Mechanic keeps records on preventive maintenance services performed and repairs completed on all equipment, is accountable for all small hand and power tools, and maintains an inventory of parts and supplies for equipment. The Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic assists in general field operations and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education A high school diploma or the equivalent plus specialized or technical training in the repair and maintenance of small and large sized gasoline and diesel engines is required.
Experience At least two years of experience in repairing gasoline and diesel powered engines is required; experience repairing and maintaining two- and four-stroke engines, small diesel engines, hydraulics, and welding and torch work is preferred.
Skills Requires a general mechanical ability; skills in the use of hand tools and test equipment associated with the maintenance of gasoline and diesel engines; ability to diagnose gasoline and diesel engine failures and make repairs to engine, carburetor, injectors, diesel pumps, electrical, brake, steering, transmission and hydraulic systems. Skill in the use of an arc welder and cutting torch is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort Requires the use of small hand and power tools. Requires the ability to lift and/or transport supplies, equipment, and machinery weighing up to 70 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis; prolonged walking or standing, and frequent bending, stooping, crawling under vehicles, and reaching on a daily basis. Requires a full range of physical motion in order to repair and test the operation of electrically-powered and/or gasoline and diesel-powered equipment and vehicles.
License Must have a valid Missouri motor vehicle operator's license.
Other Scope of the position requires exposure to waste oil, greases, and fuels and use of chemical solvents and cleaners used in the repair and maintenance of gasoline and diesel-powered engines and equipment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs preventive maintenance of equipment and vehicles by following manufacturers' recommendations or using personal experience regarding tune-ups, lubrications, oil and filter changes, adjusting or changing belts and hoses, sharpening or replacing blades, on cars, vans, tractors, dozers, and similar grounds equipment.
2. Reduces the need for contract maintenance services of vehicles and equipment by troubleshooting and repairing (within capabilities) a variety of equipment, automotive and truck problems including electrical systems, brakes, carburetors, engine compression, clutch and transmission, injectors, differentials, pumps, hydraulic and power take-off operations.
3. Ensures that vehicles and equipment requiring major maintenance services or repairs receive those services by determining the extent of services or repairs required and arranging with contract maintenance shops for services or repairs beyond the capability to perform or that are too costly (i.e., time and money) for the Fruit Science shop to perform.
4. Promotes preventive maintenance as a strategy for maintaining vehicles and equipment by developing and recommending preventive maintenance programs and schedules, instructing Field and Maintenance Workers on the proper methods of operation and upkeep of the equipment, inspecting tools and equipment for their condition, repairing, cleaning, adjusting or lubricating them, and notifying the supervisor of signs of equipment abuse or neglect.
5. Maintains appropriate maintenance records by keeping records of all equipment operating hours, preventive maintenance services performed, and repairs completed.
6. Maintains accountability for all small hand and power tools by issuing those tools to departmental employees when requested, receiving the tools after use, and securing the tools in the proper storage container as directed.
7. Ensures the availability and accountability of required parts, components, and supplies by maintaining an inventory of parts and supplies for vehicles and equipment, storing those items in an appropriate and secure container, and reordering replacement items as necessary
8. Repairs damaged equipment by welding and/or cutting to mend broken, bent or loose items where close fit or tolerances are not critical.
9. Assists the supervisor in the preparation of bid sheets and purchase orders by contacting vendors and commercial suppliers for bids on specific parts and identifying the proper mechanical terminology to describe the parts needed.
10. Prepares riding mowers, tractors, and trucks for specific uses by changing, checking, and adjusting attachments to those vehicles. .
11. Safely operates University vehicles while picking up or delivering parts and equipment by obeying applicable traffic laws and following operator instructions.
12. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
13. Contributes to the overall success of the Fruit Science Department by performing all other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic is supervised by the Field Supervisor and may supervise temporary workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2017
