Open Positions
Farm Mechanic
JOB DESCRIPTION
Champlain Valley Hops is seeking a farm mechanic to join our team. Growing and processing hops requires a lot of specialized equipment and machinery. Farm mechanic will be responsible for assembling, maintaining and operating this equipment in addition to our tractors, implements, and various farm vehicles. Mechanic may also be asked to assist with some field work and processing as needed and to advise management on general farm operations.
We recognize that hops have very little (recent) history in New England, and that applicants are not likely to have direct experience with these plants. We are much more focused on finding a person who has excellent mechanical skills, a comprehensive knowledge of best farming practices, is willing to work hard, learn, think outside of the box, and contribute as a valuable member of our team.
This position can be individually tailored as full-time, part-time, or as needed. Candidates must be available to conduct emergency repairs, especially during hop harvest (mid-August to late-September). Work is mostly seasonal (April-November) with potential to contribute to off-season projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform maintenance and repairs on various types of farm equipment and vehicles, including but not limited to hop processing equipment, tractors, and farm implements.
Diagnose mechanical issues and provide appropriate solutions.
Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance on vehicles, equipment, and farm structures.
Make recommendations to farm management on ways to improve equipment and vehicle performance.
Install upgrades to equipment and vehicles as recommended.
Lead maintenance projects on farm structures as needed.
Perform maintenance on hop trellis and around hop yard as needed
Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of repairs.
Network with other hop growers/processors and conduct independent research as needed to discover ways of improving equipment performance.
Develop and maintain relationships with venders.
Shop for new/used equipment as needed based on personal and expert recommendations.
Place orders and seek advice from venders and experts as needed.
Possibility for an expanded role assisting with manual field and tractor work.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Excellent mechanical skills
Some trade school or equivalent training
Experience operating and maintaining tractors and other farm equipment
Willingness to work some weekends and evenings if needed (standard work days are 8-5, M-F but schedule can change based on the weather and other factors)
Knowledge of good agricultural practices
Access to reliable vehicle and U.S. drivers license
Ability to work independently and be flexible regarding work assignments
Ability to prioritize work assignments
Ability to be flexible with changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to lift 50 lb
Ability to weld metal for equipment repairs and upgrades (preferred)
Postive attitude
Attention to detail
Comfortable working as part of a team
Safety mindset: understanding and adherence to safe work practices
COMPENSATION: TBD depending on defined role, time commitment and experience
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please email max@champlainvalleyhops.com with a resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested in working with us and why you believe that you will be a good fit for the position.