Agricultural Equipment Mechanic

Cumberland, Wisconsin

Full-Time | Agricultural Harvest & Processing Equipment

Openings

1 Opening

Compensation

$26.00 to $30.00 per hr depending on experience

Performance raises are typically evaluated after the employee completes their first full pack season.

Overtime opportunities are significant during pack season.

Position Overview

An established vegetable processing facility in Cumberland, Wisconsin is seeking an Agricultural Equipment Mechanic to support seasonal harvest operations and year-round equipment reliability.

This role supports the mechanical systems and agricultural equipment used to move crops from field harvesting operations into the processing facility.

The plant specializes in green bean processing and operates a highly seasonal production cycle where mechanical uptime during harvest is critical to maintaining product flow.

Duties based on pack vs off pack

During the off-season, the role focuses on preventative maintenance, rebuilds, and equipment preparation for the next harvest.

During pack season, mechanics work closely with operations teams to keep harvest equipment operational and prevent crop flow interruptions.

Facility Overview

Green bean processing facility

Approximately 270,000 square feet including processing and warehouse space

Up to 70 full-time employees

Up to 337 seasonal employees during peak pack season.

This is a rural manufacturing environment supporting large-scale agricultural operations.

Work Schedule

Pack Season Schedule (July through September)

12-hour shifts

Day shift:

5:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Night shift:

5:30 PM to 6:00 AM

Typical schedule pattern:

7 days on

2 days off

Occasional 3-day weekends depending on production schedule.

Average weekly hours during pack season: approximately 60 hours.

Employees generally remain on the same shift assignment throughout the pack season.

Off-Pack Schedule (October through June)

4 day work week

Monday through Thursday

10-hour shifts

No regular weekend work during the off-season.

This time is used for preventative maintenance, equipment rebuilds, and plant upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair agricultural harvesting equipment used in crop collection operations
• Diagnose mechanical issues on equipment used to transport and process harvested vegetables
• Perform preventative maintenance on agricultural and plant equipment
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, mechanical, and drive system issues
• Repair conveyors, gearboxes, chains, sprockets, bearings, and mechanical drive systems
• Assist with rebuilding mechanical equipment during the off-season
• Perform welding and fabrication repairs when necessary
• Assist with fabrication of replacement parts and equipment modifications
• Maintain equipment lubrication systems and preventative maintenance schedules
• Assist with troubleshooting and repair of mechanical components within plant processing equipment
• Work closely with harvest operations teams to monitor crop flow and prevent mechanical interruptions
• Document repairs and maintain maintenance records
• Support plant operations during breakdown events to restore equipment quickly
• Assist with shop organization and maintenance planning

Equipment and Systems Maintained

• Agricultural harvest equipment
• Mechanical drive systems
• Conveyors
• Gearboxes
• Chain and sprocket assemblies
• Pumps and transfer equipment
• Hydraulic systems
• Sorting and processing equipment
• Encoders and mechanical sorting systems
• Plant material handling systems
• Specialty equipment used in vegetable processing operations
• Some equipment requires higher technical aptitude due to precision sorting and encoding systems used in crop processing.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting ability
• Experience working with mechanical drive systems including chains, sprockets, bearings, and gearboxes
• Basic hydraulic system troubleshooting
• Experience repairing mechanical equipment in agricultural, manufacturing, or heavy equipment environments
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively
• Ability to read basic mechanical diagrams and maintenance documentation
• Basic welding or fabrication experience preferred
• Ability to work extended hours during harvest season
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Good attendance history

Preferred Background

• Agricultural equipment mechanic
• Farm equipment technician
• Diesel equipment mechanic
• Heavy equipment mechanic
• Manufacturing maintenance mechanic
• Machine shop technician
• Military vehicle maintenance technician
• Automotive mechanics with strong mechanical fundamentals may also be considered.
• The plant is open to candidates with transferable mechanical skills and will train motivated individuals who demonstrate strong aptitude.

What Successful Candidates Typically Demonstrate

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Reliable attendance
• Willingness to work extended hours during harvest
• Ability to learn plant equipment quickly
• Strong work ethic and integrity
• Practical troubleshooting skills
• Motivation to grow into more advanced mechanical responsibilities
• Work ethic and integrity often weigh more heavily than previous cannery experience during hiring decisions.

Advancement and Pay Growth

• Raises are typically evaluated after completion of the first pack season.
• Merit increases are based on performance and demonstrated mechanical capability.
• Experienced employees may advance into higher skill classifications or specialized maintenance roles over time.

Work Environment

• Industrial agricultural processing facility
• Seasonal high production environment
• Outdoor and indoor work depending on equipment location
• Physically active role involving standing, lifting, and equipment repair
• Exposure to noise, machinery, and varying temperatures depending on season
• Pack season is physically demanding and requires strong endurance and commitment.