Regional Equipment Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Black Gold Farms is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Regional Equipment Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading maintenance operations and assist in the day-to-day production operations at Black Gold Farms at both our Arbyrd and Charleston, MO locations. This position is critical to the value-added service to keep the equipment in optimal working order and efficiency improvement. This role requires the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

RESULTS

• Exceed Black Gold Farms' KPI goals as they relate to high quality and efficient operations by implementing preventative maintenance programs and minimizing equipment failure related downtime.
• Track workorders timely and accurately.
• Maintain accurate part inventory.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS and ABILITIES

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

• Proficient in diagnosing and repairing farm machinery, including tractors, harvesters, planters, tillage equipment and irrigation systems.

Hydraulics & Pneumatics

• Understand hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in potato planting and harvesting equipment.

Diesel & Gasoline Engine Repair

• Ability to service and repair diesel and gasoline engines commonly used in farm machinery.

Electrical Systems

• Knowledge of wiring, sensors, control panels, and electronic diagnostics for modern agricultural equipment.

Welding & Fabrication

• Skills in welding (MIG, TIG, stick) and metal fabrication for repairing broken parts.

OPERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Understanding Farming Equipment

• Familiarity with potato planters, harvesters, conveyors, and grading systems.

Precision Agriculture Technology

• Ability to work with GPS systems, sensors, and variable rate application technology.

PROBLEM-SOLVING and PRACTICAL SKILLS

Troubleshooting

• Quick thinking and ability to diagnose problems under pressure, especially during peak planting and harvesting seasons.

Preventative Maintenance

• Developing schedules to prevent breakdowns during critical farming periods.

Adaptability

• Ability to handle unexpected repairs and adjust to different types of machinery and conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and SAFETY

Safety Protocols

• Knowledge of farm safety procedures, PPE usage, and OSHA regulations.

Physical Stamina

• Capability to lift heavy parts, work long hours, and operate in challenging conditions (dust, mud, extreme temperatures).

Record-Keeping

• Ability to document repairs, maintenance schedules, and part inventories.

PERSONNEL

Leadership & Supervisory Skills

• Take responsibility for maintenance schedules and ensuring team efficiency.

Team Management & Collaboration

• Work well with farm operators, equipment suppliers, and other staff.
• Encourage teamwork and cooperation in problem-solving.
• Help create a supportive and productive work environment.

Training & Knowledge Sharing

• Teach farm workers how to conduct basic maintenance and inspections.
• Share knowledge of safety protocols and equipment best practices.
• Encourage continuous learning and skill development within the team.

Conflict Resolution & Diplomacy

• Handle disagreements between team members professionally.
• Find solutions that satisfy both management and workers.
• Remain calm and composed when facing workplace challenges.

Organization & Planning

• Manage repair schedules to minimize downtime during planting/harvest seasons.
• Prioritize tasks efficiently, especially in high-pressure situations.

Customer Service & Vendor Relations

• Interact professionally with equipment suppliers and service providers.
• Negotiate costs and delivery times for spare parts and repairs.
• Ensure that farm owners or managers are satisfied with maintenance work.

SAFETY

Knowledge of Safety Regulations & Standards

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Guidelines – Understand general workplace safety standards, especially those related to machinery maintenance and farm environments.
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Compliance – Awareness of regulations for handling hazardous materials such as oils, fuels, and chemicals.
• Equipment Manufacturer Safety Protocols – Familiarity with the safety guidelines provided by equipment manufacturers.

Training & Certifications

• Basic First Aid & CPR – Ability to respond to medical emergencies in the workplace.
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training – Knowledge of procedures to safely shut down and secure machinery during maintenance.
• Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) – Understanding of safety data sheets (SDS) and proper labeling of hazardous materials.
• Fire Safety & Extinguisher Training – Ability to identify fire risks and use fire extinguishers properly.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training – Understanding when and how to use safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, respirators, and steel-toed boots.

Risk Awareness & Hazard Identification

• Recognizing Workplace Hazards – Ability to identify risks such as moving parts, electrical hazards, chemical exposure, and ergonomic concerns.
• Proper Lifting Techniques – Understanding of body mechanics to prevent strain injuries when handling heavy components.
• Safe Handling of Tools & Equipment – Awareness of proper tool use, storage, and maintenance to prevent injuries.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Emergency Shutdown Procedures – Knowledge of how to safely stop machinery in case of failure.
• Reporting Safety Incidents – Understanding the process for documenting and reporting accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.

Safe Work Practices & Preventative Maintenance

• Routine Equipment Inspections – Ability to identify wear and tear that could lead to mechanical failures and hazards.
• Spill Prevention & Cleanup – Training in proper handling, containment, and disposal of hazardous fluids.
• Ventilation & Air Quality Management – Awareness of the risks associated with working in enclosed spaces with fumes or dust.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Represent Black Gold Farms’ Seven Aspects of Culture in your daily activities: Values, Transparency, Team, Excellence, Customer, Passion, Innovation.
• Serve as a role model of good personal hygiene in compliance with food safety and ensure other employees comply as well.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule including the potential to work weekends during peak seasons.
• Attend Production meetings to stay informed and add value to discussions pertaining to production line schedules and planned maintenance.
• Commit to 15 hours of professional development related to your position.
• Assist in other areas within the Black Gold Farms organization to cross-train and foster an environment of teamwork.

Join our team as a Regional Equipment Technician where your expertise will contribute significantly to our operational success!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Will you be able to reliably commute between Arbyrd, MO and Charleston, MO for this job?

Experience:

• maintenance and production operation: 4 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000