Key Requirements
Minimum 5 years’ proven mechanical experience, preferably within large-scale commercial agriculture.
Proven experience working with agricultural tractors, machinery, implements and equipment.
Previous workshop supervision or management experience is essential.
Strong experience diagnosing, servicing and repairing diesel-powered machinery.
Experience managing preventative and corrective maintenance programmes.
Strong knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems.
Experience working in a high-pressure, seasonal agricultural environment.
John Deere machinery experience is highly advantageous.
Experience with manufacturer diagnostic and machinery management systems is advantageous.
Strong understanding of workshop planning, maintenance scheduling and machinery downtime management.
Experience managing spare parts, workshop consumables and maintenance costs.
Computer literacy and ability to maintain accurate digital and physical records.
Ability to work extended hours during peak agricultural periods when required.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the day-to-day operations of the agricultural workshop.
Plan, prioritise and coordinate workshop activities according to operational requirements.
Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules for tractors, machinery, vehicles and implements.
Ensure all machinery is serviced, repaired and maintained according to manufacturer specifications.
Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic faults.
Service and maintain diesel engines, transmissions, drivetrains, hydraulic systems and agricultural implements.
Provide technical support during planting, spraying, harvesting and other critical farming periods.
Monitor machinery performance and identify potential failures before they cause operational downtime.
Maintain accurate records of repairs, servicing, maintenance and component replacements.
Lead, supervise and allocate work to mechanics and workshop personnel.
Monitor workmanship, productivity, quality and turnaround times.
Train, coach and develop workshop staff.
Conduct toolbox talks and ensure workshop procedures are followed.
Develop daily, weekly and seasonal maintenance plans.
Prioritise emergency breakdowns while ensuring preventative maintenance remains on schedule.
Coordinate with farm and operational management regarding machinery requirements.
Maintain appropriate stock levels of critical spare parts, oils, filters and workshop consumables.
Identify parts requirements and assist with procurement planning.
Monitor parts usage and control unnecessary maintenance expenditure.
Maintain accurate machinery service histories and workshop documentation.
Use maintenance management systems and manufacturer diagnostic platforms where applicable.
Prepare maintenance reports and provide regular updates on workshop performance.
Monitor machinery downtime, repair costs and maintenance requirements.
Maintain a safe, clean and organised workshop environment.
Ensure workshop personnel comply with health and safety procedures and use appropriate PPE.
Ensure tools, machinery and workshop equipment are correctly maintained and safely operated.
Prepare machinery and equipment to meet seasonal planting and harvesting requirements.
Identify recurring mechanical problems and implement practical solutions to improve machinery reliability.
Ensure workshop activities comply with applicable maintenance, safety and operational standards.
Key Skills
Strong agricultural machinery and equipment knowledge.
Advanced mechanical diagnostic and fault-finding skills.
Strong diesel engine knowledge.
Hydraulic system expertise.
Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Knowledge of electronic control systems and diagnostic equipment.
Strong preventative maintenance planning skills.
Agricultural tractor and implement maintenance expertise.
Workshop management and workflow planning.
Strong team leadership and people-management skills.
Ability to allocate tasks and manage workshop productivity.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Excellent attention to detail and technical accuracy.
Strong organisational and planning skills.
Ability to manage machinery breakdowns under pressure.
Good spare-parts and inventory management skills.
Strong maintenance record-keeping abilities.
Good understanding of workshop safety procedures.
Computer literacy and ability to use maintenance management systems.
Ability to work with manufacturer diagnostic software.
Microsoft Office proficiency.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and take ownership.
Practical, hands-on and solutions-oriented approach.
Ability to work extended hours during peak farming periods.
Strong leadership, reliability and accountability.
Qualifications
Trade Tested Diesel Mechanic qualification or equivalent recognised mechanical qualification.
Additional qualification in Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Engineering or a related field is advantageous.
Manufacturer-specific agricultural machinery training is advantageous.
John Deere technical training is highly advantageous.
Minimum 5 years’ relevant mechanical experience.
Proven workshop supervision or management experience.
Experience with agricultural machinery diagnostics and maintenance systems is advantageous.
Experience with John Deere diagnostic or machinery management platforms is advantageous.
Microsoft Office and general computer literacy.
How to Apply
Apply using the following link: https://www.recruitmentmattersafrica.com/careers/?job_id=z5G7h3l6a1kMvyS65NP3c4zCfwu_HHmpGRtmXDVxmNU=
