Equipment Manager - Agricultural Systems & Mechanical Operations
We are building a highly capable agricultural operation designed for long-term resilience and independent operation. This includes a wide range of mechanical systems: PTO-driven equipment, grain cleaning and processing lines, irrigation systems, and custom-built machinery.
We are looking for an Equipment Manager who can take ownership of all mechanical systems—from setup and modification to long-term maintenance and optimization.
This is not a typical farm job. You will be expected to build, adapt, and keep systems running under demanding conditions.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Setup & Commissioning
- Assemble and bring online equipment such as:
- PTO-driven grain cleaners and threshers
- Hammer mills, mixers, and feed systems
- Irrigation pumps and high-volume water systems
- Convert electric-driven machines to PTO (e.g., gearbox + jackshaft builds)
- Ensure proper alignment, speed matching, and safe operation
Mechanical Fabrication & Modification
- Design and build:
- PTO drive systems (gearboxes, slip clutches, jackshafts)
- Mounting frames and skid systems
- Custom adaptations for multi-crop processing
- Work with belts, pulleys, shafts, bearings, and structural steel
Maintenance & Reliability
- Develop preventative maintenance systems for:
- Bearings, bushings, belts, hydraulics, gearboxes
- Maintain spare parts inventory for long-term operation
- Troubleshoot failures quickly and effectively
Equipment Oversight
- Manage and maintain equipment such as:
- John Deere 4020 and similar tractors
- PTO generators and implements
- Sickle bar mowers, combines, and harvest equipment
- Ensure all machines are field-ready at all times
System Integration
- Build and maintain complete processing lines:
- Harvest → cleaning → drying → milling → storage
- Optimize throughput, efficiency, and durability
Required Skills & Experience
- Strong mechanical background (ag equipment, diesel, or industrial machinery)
- Hands-on experience with:
- PTO systems and driveline components
- Gearboxes, pulleys, and belt drives
- Bearings, shafts, and alignment
- Fabrication skills:
- Welding (MIG/TIG/Stick)
- Basic machining or metalworking
- Ability to diagnose and repair equipment without relying on outside support
Highly Valued (Not Required)
- Experience in:
- Off-grid or remote operations
- Irrigation systems and high-volume pumping
- Grain handling, cleaning, or milling systems
- Background in:
- Ranching, farming, or industrial maintenance
- Ability to design systems from scratch (not just follow manuals)
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who takes ownership and solves problems without being told
- Comfortable working with both modern and improvised systems
- Thinks in terms of durability, redundancy, and long-term operation
- Willing to build things right the first time
Why This Role is Different
- You won’t just maintain equipment—you’ll design and build systems
- Significant autonomy and responsibility
- Opportunity to create a high-performance, self-reliant agricultural operation
- Description of the most complex mechanical system you’ve built or managed
- Any photos or examples of past work (if available)