Farm Mechanic

Farm Mechanic

Title: Farm Mechanic

Dept: Maintenance

Hours: 40 hr week, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some flexibility and seasonal changes

Report to: Operations Manager, Daniel Athearn

Wage: $18.00-$35.00

Position: Farm Mechanic

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Description: The Farm Mechanic is the primary person to repair and maintain a wide variety of machines for the farm, from diesel and gasoline tractors and their various implements, to rototillers, chain saws, lawn mowers, greenhouse fans, kitchen mixers and many tires and batteries. From time to time, this person may also be asked to undertake field jobs with the machines. A mechanical mind to assess, diagnose, and create a solution to malfunctions is required. He or she will be handy with tools and knowledgeable about basic machinery maintenance, such as changing oil, changing tires, fixing brakes, etc. On-the-job training is available to persons who readily understand causes and effects of machinery. Formal training in mechanics is also available to dedicated employees who want to learn new skills. The Farm mechanic is a member of a farm team that consists of bakers, salespeople, greenhouse workers and field workers. He or she is expected to be cooperative and to respect all members of the team, being helpful whenever possible. Responsibilities include: repairing and maintaining equipment, ensuring work areas, tools and machine shop are kept clean, tidy, stocked and well cared for, safely operating large and potentially dangerous tools and equipment, and supporting other farm tasks when necessary such as irrigation and field hand tasks.

Position Requirements: Our ideal candidate: 18 years or older, knowledgeable of and ability to use tools, methods, and materials used in farm work, mechanical experience, comfortable multi-tasking, self-sufficient at problem-solving, and capable of managing a diverse set of responsibilities. Must work as a team player, is flexible and a self-starter. Must have a U.S. driver's license and the ability to perform heavy lifting.

About the Organization: Morning Glory Farm, started in 1975 by James and Deborah Athearn, grows about 65 acres of vegetables and small fruits on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Small successive plantings of a wide variety of crops supply the Farmstand from May through December. Crops include sweet corn, lettuce, carrots, beets, tomatoes, melons, potatoes, beans, squash, pumpkins, and more. Our herb garden supplies a full assortment of culinary herbs. We also raise four acres of cut flowers, and small plantings of strawberries, grapes, peaches, and beach plums. We keep beef cows on pasture in Chilmark for which we harvest 45 acres of hay and we also produce eggs, pork and fresh, pasture-raised chickens to sell in the Farmstand. Twenty-three acres of our vegetable fields are farmed using natural practices and only OMRI certified fertilizers and pesticides. We manage the rest of our land with a minimum of pesticides and with attention to the long-term health of the soil. The farm name grew from the vision of the sun rising over lush, green fields, cows with udders full of milk ambling past bountiful gardens and hedgerows lively with honeybees: true wealth of nature's glory. Each year we meet a new crew of farmers, bakers, cooks, and Farmstand staff who become part of the farm family. The farm has benefited from a variety of wonderful people who have endowed Morning Glory with their own special contributions.