Job Description

Farm Mechanic & Facilities Manager

About the Position

Fishkill Farms seeks an experienced “all-rounder” to perform mechanical, buildings, facilities and grounds maintenance and repair on our family farm. This full- or part-time position will provide widely varying workdays and constant learning, and requires a minimum of four years of appropriate experience and training. 

Fishkill Farms is a 3rd-generation, 270 acre fruit and vegetable farm in the Hudson River Valley, only 70 miles north of New York City. Practicing sustainable farming, our produce is sold through our Pick-Your-Own program, our farm store, farmer’s markets and wholesale. Fishkill Farms grows over 100 acres of eco-certified and organic tree fruit and organic berries. Crops include peaches, cherries, strawberries and over 60 acres of dessert and cider apples, grown primarily for Pick-Your-Own and our popular estate-made artisan hard cider. At peak we host thousands of visitors a day for apple picking. The farm produces its own fresh-pressed cider, homemade pies and donuts. Employees are motivated, committed and comprise many diverse backgrounds. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain and repair a variety of farm machinery and vehicles, including tractors, implements, farm trucks, and small power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws and trimmers. Includes parts ordering.
• Maintain and repair buildings and greenhouses, including basic knowledge of heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electricity. 
• Manage a crew of one to three to accomplish grounds maintenance responsibilities including: mowing, fencing, landscaping and road maintenance.
• Collaborate with department managers on special projects, and during peak “pick-your-own” weekends
• Document and ensure the maintenance of all on-road vehicles
• Timely service and record-keeping for all machines
• Lead safety training for new hires on tractors, equipment and forklifts.
• Maintain a well-organized and equipped workshop.
• Additional tractor and backhoe work including mowing, ditching, tree removal and other seasonal farm work and field operations as needed.
• Coordinating with professional repair resources and contractors when appropriate. 
• Responsibility shared with Production Managers for the selection and purchase of new machinery and vehicles

Potential opportunities:

• Collaborate on design and equipping building renovations.
• GC construction projects. 

Requirements:

• At least two years of experience working on farm equipment, small engines and vehicles.
• A minimum of one year of experience working in construction carpentry or building maintenance
• Knowledge of both diesel and gas engines
• Some light welding experience
• Light carpentry and plumbing experience
• Ability to work in a variety of conditions, including a heated workshop, in the field, and in all weather conditions 
• Tools are provided by farm

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Has strong communication skills
• Is adept at solving problems
• Has managed staff and works collaboratively with others
• Has trade school certification
• Is safety and detail oriented and keeps an orderly workspace
• Has a background in mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and electrical systems 
• Has a minimum of four years of practical and applicable experience

Schedule:

This is a full-time, forty-plus hour-a-week position, paid hourly at a rate that depends on qualifications. During the “Pick Your Own” season one weekend day is required.

Requisites: Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and your own transportation.

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