Ag Maintenance Mechanic

Seneca Foods is one of North America's leading providers of packaged fruits and vegetables with facilities located throughout the United States. Our high-quality products are primarily sourced from over 1,400 American farms. Seneca holds the largest share of the retail private-label, food service, and export canned vegetable markets, distributing to over 90 countries. Products are also sold under the brands Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s®, READ®, Seneca Farms®, Green Valley®, Green Giant (Shelf-Stable)®, CherryMan®, Paradise®, Pennant®, and Seneca labels, including Seneca snack chips. Seneca also provides vegetable products to other companies under various co-pack arrangements.

About the role

The Agriculture Mechanic will monitor product flow during harvesting to ensure uninterrupted flow to the plants and relieve Harvester Operators when necessary. The Ag Mechanic is responsible for the preventative maintenance of harvesting equipment during the off-season in preparation for the upcoming harvest. The role also includes providing operating and maintenance assistance to the farm operation, covering tillage, planting, and crop care equipment, as well as vehicles necessary for farming operations.

The Ripon Ag Shop offers a unique work environment where mechanics spend the off-season overhauling equipment in the shop and the harvest season in the field monitoring machines and making repairs. Seneca provides in-house training on shop equipment, including mill and lathe, welding, hydraulics, and AC systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of agricultural equipment.
• Troubleshoot breakdowns to determine the cause of operating problems.
• Make necessary repairs and maintenance to harvest equipment and related equipment, including modifications and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems for diesel fuel equipment.
• Overhaul and rebuild equipment during the non-processing season.
• Maintain cost control over equipment for budget purposes.
• Perform maintenance in other areas of the facility when needed.
• Ensure an even, constant, and sufficient flow of product of a quality that meets or exceeds company standards during harvest season.
• Follow and enforce GMP’s (General Manufacturing Practices), safety rules, and regulations.
• Work in conjunction with Area Supervisors to maintain production and quality.
• Supervise assigned seasonal employees during seasonal harvest operations.
• Work on assigned equipment on elevated platforms, ladders, and scissor lifts.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Requirements

• One to three years of related mechanical experience.
• Valid Driver’s License (a CDL would be beneficial but not required).
• Basic use of hand and power tools; must have own hand tools.
• Welding and fabrication skills are a plus.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Reliability and dependability are a must.
• Position requires extended work hours during the harvest season.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401K retirement plan.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid time off.