FARM MACH MECH SR (Mechanic, Farm Machinery, Sr)

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Superintendent of Agriculture, provide assistance for the field activities at the Agricultural Sustainability Institute’s Russell Ranch Facility performing major and minor mechanic work on tractors, farm equipment, harvesters, combines, vehicles, and implementing over 250 inventoried pieces of equipment. Maintain all pesticide application equipment to ensure a consistent, accurate and uniform application and calibrate all types of application methods including, solid boom, ban, broadcast, layby, sidedress, water run or air blast. Operate various types of agricultural equipment ranging from small walk behind power units to large track layers or wheel tractors, harvesters, discs, harrows, landplanes, planters, mulchers, incorporators, ridgers, swathers, and balers etc. Record daily activity information for recharge purposes.

Apply By Date

July 18, 2024

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license, certification and/or educational degree if required of the position.

• Experience performing major mechanical overhauls, rebuilding of engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, brake systems, electrical systems, designing improvements, fabrications, and modifications to machinery and equipment, such as tractors, tillers, mowers, vehicles, sprayers and specialized research equipment.
• Experience in production or research agriculture.
• Experience with specialized harvest equipment including belted harvesters, stationary cylinder thrashers, forage harvesters, cylinder and rotary combines and bean harvester equipped with electronic performance monitoring systems, load sensors and scales.
• Knowledge of and experience operating agricultural equipment ranging from small walk behind power units to large track layers or wheel tractors, harvesters, discs, harrows, landplanes, planters, mulchers, incorporators, ridgers, swathers, balers etc.
• Hands on experience with farm equipment to accommodate many different commodities and cultural practices.
• Skills to operate Global Positioning System, (GPS) for steering guidance on tractors and equipment. Must be able to setup, operate, program, recall data and diagnose problems.
• Skills to calibrate all types of pesticide application methods including solid boom, ban, broadcast, layby, side dress, water run or air blast.
• Knowledge of cultural practices including such operations as disking, landplaning, sub-soiling, bed preparation, bed shaping, pre-plant incorporation, seed planting, transplanting, cultivation, fertilizer applications and harvest of row crops, cereals and forage crops as required by researchers and department protocol.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skill to understand the difference between production and scientific research and adapt to new and innovative industry trends and concepts.
• Skill to operate research and production planters including cereal drills, plate planters, cone planters, vacuum planters, belt planters and carousel transplants all or part with electronic performance monitoring systems.
• Skill to maintain complete records of all duties performed along with a service record of all department equipment on a computer database.
• Skill to perform preventive maintenance on daily basis to check fluids and lubricants in equipment being used, along with other daily tasks as defined in owner’s manuals.
• Skills to apply pesticide materials in a safe and effective manner, as defined in pesticide label, while following federal, state, county and university guidelines.
• Skill to fabricate specialized field and lab equipment for research and development.

Key Responsibilities 

• 80% – Maintenance and Mechanical
• 10% – Field Operations
• 10% – Pest Management

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $35.70/hr. – $50.02/hr. 
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: FARM MACH MECH SR
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: Full-Time, 100%
• Shift Hours: Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, CA. 
• Union Representation: Yes – SX
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/On-Site: On-Site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits and eligibility rules by visiting Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit’s employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• For eligible roles, UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles 
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
• UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Work in confined and elevated areas.
• Ability to crawl, bend, stoop and climb ladders and lift loads up to 70 lbs.

Work Environment

The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. 
• Valid class A California driver’s license. 
• Must have or obtain a Forklift Safety certificate within 6 months of employment. 
• Must have or obtain a Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) within 6 months of employment. 
• Requires the use of protective equipment such as respirators, safety glasses, ear protection, protective clothing, gloves, etc. 
• Must participate in medical monitoring programs, medical surveillance and physical examinations. 
• Must receive proper training from department safety officer in Injury Illness Protection Program, Workers Protection Standards, Pesticide Safety Training, and biohazard training. 
• Work occasional overtime to complete unforeseen responsibilities to meet deadlines and keep priority deadlines in check. 
• Work in all types of weather conditions.

Special Requirements

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain – we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. 

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

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