Vehicle Mechanic - Waseca, MN

This is a 100% full-time position located at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) in Waseca, MN. The Vehicle Mechanic is responsible for maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and modification of vehicles, agricultural equipment, research equipment, and facility related equipment supporting SROC's agronomy, soil and nutrient management, horticulture, nematology, livestock, and renewable energy/liquid plasma research programs at the SROC. The position also provides support for building and facility equipment and assists with center operations during periods of high labor demand. The typical work schedule is 40 hours per week, eight hours per day, throughout the year. Most work is performed Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work required for emergency repairs or periods of high operational demand. The position reports to the SROC Director of Operations.

Job Duties

Maintenance and repair of equipment (75%)

• Perform routine maintenance on tractors, trucks, cars, utility vehicles, and other equipment in the SROC Fleet
• Service, repair and adjust tractors, combines, skid loaders, tillage equipment, planters, sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, trailers, weighing systems, ventilation systems, feed mill, grain dryer, grain handling system, and other equipment
• Inspect, repair and adjust automotive and agricultural power systems such as gasoline and diesel fuel injection, electrical, exhaust, carburetor, hydraulic and lubrication systems.
• Overhaul small engines, maintain and repair drive train on utility vehicles, lawn mowers, tillers, and other small equipment
• Modify, adapt, or construct production and research equipment needed by SROC research programs by welding, brazing, soldering, and drilling steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.
• Use various computerized equipment for diagnostic testing on automotive, tractors, combines, choppers, and other equipment.
• Repair and replace motors, switches, and relays on low voltage (12 VDC) wiring systems on research and production equipment.
• Replace, repair and adjust components to include ignitions, brake pads, shoes, drums, rotors, bearings, hoses, lights, tires, tailgates, lifts, etc.
• Disassemble and overhaul engines: automobiles, trucks, farm equipment (tractor, etc.)
• Operate equipment necessary to repair, replace and overhaul equipment (drill press, hoists, jacks, compressors, lathes, mills, etc.). Position drills, welds and grinds to modify and fabricate parts.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair electrical generators for livestock facilities and administration building

• Maintain vehicle and equipment interiors and exteriors

Planning and organizing maintenance activities (15%)

• Provide cost estimates for machinery repairs
• Develop recommendations based on failure analysis to avoid equipment down-time
• Maintain inventory of parts, oils, lubricants, filters, tools and other shop supplies, and order repair parts
• Keep accurate records of work activities and repairs and maintenance schedules in various manual and electronic databases
• Develop and implement equipment maintenance schedules and ensure compliance with applicable DOT inspection and recordkeeping requirements
• Know and understand Department of Transportation Inspection rules and record keeping needs
• Complete annual detailed vehicle inspection reports for University Fleet Services and tabs for vehicles
• Monthly inspections and logging reports of fueling station, fuel tanks, large electric transformers, and electrical generators
• Update other staff on safety and maintenance procedures for equipment being used
• Scan, justify, and reconcile procurement card invoices through university online portals
• Maintain a clean and orderly shop

Cropping, livestock, and station operations (5%)

• Assist with planting, spraying, harvesting, and baling of crops during times of high labor demand
• Assist with equipment operation for livestock care during times of high labor demand
• Snow removal as needed

Miscellaneous duties (5%)

• Assist with center-wide outreach and training events
• Other duties as assigned

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card Sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required

• High school graduate or equivalent and at least two years vocational education and one year of experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles and general equipment.
• Ability to walk or stand for the majority of each workday. Able to bend, climb, reach, kneel; carry, lift, push and pull up to 75 lbs.

Preferred

• Five or more years of experience in an agricultural, automotive, diesel, mechanical, or equipment maintenance position
• Industry-recognized certifications or training in ASE, OEM equipment, MACS, AWS, diesel technology, or related fields.
• Willingness and ability to work independently and effectively within a team setting
• Current CDL license or the ability to obtain one
• Demonstrated proficiency in welding and metal fabrication
• Ability to modify and adapt equipment to meet research needs
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair a wide variety of farm and research equipment
• Proficiency with computers and common software applications, including spreadsheets, word processing, and agricultural equipment or data-management software

The University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) is located in Waseca, MN. The SROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in agronomy, soil nutrient management, horticulture, plant pathology (SCN), dairy heifer nutrition, swine production, and renewable energy/liquid plasma.

Pay Range: $27.14 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience (this is a probationary rate.)

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

>>Please include a Resume<<

"The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 10/6/26 and 10/13/2026"

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.