Mechanic Technician – Heifer U.S.A
Job ID 1597
Hiring Manager(s): Tim Nacke ([email protected]) Internal/External: Internal Only
Description
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
About Heifer International
In 1944, Heifer International’s founder, Dan West, began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.
He had seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. His philosophy still inspires Heifer’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges.
Today, Heifer International has operations in 19 countries around the world, working alongside local farmers, business owners and their communities, as they mobilize and envision their futures. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.
To date, we have supported more than 42 million farming families across Africa, Asia and the Americas and in the past five years alone. We have worked alongside 2.7 million families to close the living income gap or set them on a path to doing so. Between now and 2030, we will support an additional 10 million people to reach a living income by scaling up our signature programs. To achieve this, Heifer International relies on its passionate, committed, and highly skilled staff.
Our Values
At Heifer, our work and culture are grounded in our twelve Cornerstones and six Cultural Guiding Principles, which reflect our deep commitment to dignity, fairness, and impact. These values shape how we lead, collaborate, and grow as an organization. We believe in Passing on the Gift, accountability, caring for one another, sustainability, gender and social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. We prioritize full participation, open communication, and continuous learning rooted in self-awareness and human-centered leadership. Together, we foster a culture of belonging and shared purpose that drives meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve.
ROLE FUNCTION
The Mechanic Technician keeps all ranch equipment in safe, reliable working conditions to support Heifer Ranch’s living learning ecosystem, where regenerative practices are tested, demonstrated, and scaled. This includes maintaining and repairing tractors, utility vehicles, trucks, trailers, small engines, and other mechanical systems essential to daily ranch operations and the demonstration of sustainable agricultural practices.
The Mechanic Technician leads the diagnostics, repairs, and preventative maintenance programs that keep equipment safe, dependable, and efficient. By ensuring all tools and machinery are ready for use, the Mechanic Technician directly supports hands-on training, field demonstrations, and production activities for staff, program participants, and partners.
By safeguarding mission-critical mechanical assets, the Mechanic Technician plays a vital role in advancing Heifer International’s mission to create sustainable food systems. This work helps position Heifer Ranch as a fully functional, operational model of regenerative ranching—enabling high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring regenerative agriculture can be practiced and shared without interruption.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS:
Mission-Driven: Passionate about food systems transformation and regenerative agriculture.
Action-Oriented: Proactive in driving projects and solving challenges.
Problem Solving: Applies both technical knowledge and creative thinking to repairs.
Communicator: Clearly conveys ideas, inspires teams.
Results-Focused: Committed to delivering measurable impact in alignment with Heifer USA’s mission.
Resourcefulness: Thrives in dynamic, hands-on settings. Find creative solutions with limited resources and adapt quickly to changing circumstances on the farm and in the classroom.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mechanical Maintenance & Repair
- Inspect, diagnose, and repair ranch equipment including tractors, utility vehicles, trucks, trailers, mowers, tillers, and small engines
- Perform preventative maintenance to ensure equipment is safe, reliable, and ready for daily use
- Maintain accurate service and repair records for all vehicles and equipment
- Order and track parts, tools, and supplies needed for repairs and maintenance
- Operate welding, fabrication, and diagnostic tools to complete necessary repairs
- Train staff on proper equipment use, care, and basic maintenance practices
- Respond quickly to mechanical breakdowns to minimize operational downtime
- Perform seasonal equipment preparation such as winterizing engines, changing fluids, and replacing worn components before high-use seasons
- Conduct routine safety inspections and ensure all vehicles and equipment meet OSHA and DOT compliance requirements
- Service and maintain hydraulic, electrical, and fuel systems on heavy and light equipment
- Fabricate or modify parts and equipment to improve function or extend service life
- Coordinate with supervisors to schedule repairs in a way that minimizes operational disruption
- Keep an inventory of spare parts, lubricants, and filters to reduce downtime
- Test equipment after repairs to ensure optimal performance and safety
- Maintain and troubleshoot irrigation and pumping equipment, if applicable to ranch operations
- Document all maintenance and repair activities in a centralized system for tracking and reporting
Facilities Maintenance & Support (20%)
- Assist with building repairs, water systems, fencing, and other ranch infrastructure projects as needed
- Perform preventative maintenance on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems when applicable
- Maintain a clean, organized, and OSHA-compliant workshop and storage areas
- Support seasonal ranch activities, special events, and educational programming with mechanical or facilities assistance
- Help maintain ranch grounds using mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other equipment
- Monitor recycling, maintenance, and storage areas to maintain a clean, organized, and visitor-friendly appearance
Collaborative Communications and Participation (10%)
- Contribute to Heifer’s global communication network through active participation, knowledge exchange, and peer-to-peer learning.
- Provide and seek technical input across regions, supporting network-wide experimentation.
- May perform other job-related duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent, plus 5-7 years of general work experience
- At least five years of experience in mechanical repair and maintenance of vehicles, agricultural equipment, or heavy machinery
- Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems
- Ability to operate and maintain welding, fabrication, and diagnostic equipment
- Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and safety procedures, including OSHA and DOT requirements
- Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and communicate repair needs clearly
- Physical ability to lift 50 lbs. or more, work in various weather conditions, and perform physically demanding tasks
Preferred Requirements:
- Associate degree, trade school certification, or equivalent training in diesel mechanics, agricultural mechanics, or a related field
- Seven or more years of mechanical experience in a ranch, farm, agricultural, or heavy equipment environment
- Welding and fabrication experience, including custom part fabrication or modification for agricultural applications
- Experience with small engine repair and maintenance (mowers, tillers, generators, etc.)
- Familiarity with irrigation and pumping equipment maintenance and repair
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple repair and maintenance tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Experience maintaining an inventory of spare parts, fluids, and tools to reduce downtime
- Problem solving and initiative.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:
- Ability to travel occasionally for training, parts pickup, or equipment servicing (up to 10% of time)
- Frequent face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues, vendors, and service providers
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting; regular use of hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, and machinery; ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and occasionally heavier loads with assistance
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and dusty environments
- Ability to safely operate and work around heavy equipment, vehicles, and power tools
- Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
Salary Information:
- The expected hourly rate is $38.50. Placement within the range will be based on the experience and competency level of the candidate. To be considered for this position, please apply at your earliest convenience.
What We Offer:
- Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week.
- Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
- Employee assistance program
- 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match +3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
- 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
- Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
- Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection
- And more!
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.