Maintenance Technician - Agricultural Equipment

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Overtime pay

Medical aid

Pension fund

Annual bonus

Continuous training

Tools provided

Paid annual leave

Safe work environment

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Maintenance Technician for our agricultural client in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will perform preventative maintenance on a range of farm machinery and provide on-site service to farms, ensuring equipment runs safely and efficiently.

You should have a relevant trade qualification and 3–5 years of hands-on experience with agricultural machinery, plus strong diagnostic and safety mindset. This role involves workshop work and farm visits.

Qualifications

• Relevant trade qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• 3-5 years' experience with agricultural machinery or heavy equipment.
• Strong diagnostic abilities for mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Familiarity with common farm brands and equipment.
• Ability to read diagrams, manuals and service bulletins.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance on tractors, harvesters, planters, and irrigation systems.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical and hydraulic failures.
• Conduct pre-season inspections and ensure readiness of equipment.
• Assist with installation and setup of new equipment.
• Respond to on-site repair requests and provide timely solutions.
• Maintain accurate service records including parts and labor.
• Ensure tools and equipment are maintained and safe.
• Follow safety protocols in workshop and on farms.

Skills

Diesel Mechanic

Agricultural Machinery

Electrical Troubleshooting

Hydraulic Systems

Diagnostics Tools

Safety Compliance

Education

Trade qualification (Diesel Mechanic)

Tools

Diagnostic Tools

Hand Tools

Power Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider, is looking for a diligent and skilled Maintenance Technician to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of a wide range of agricultural machinery and equipment used in modern farming operations. You will be responsible for performing preventative maintenance, diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues, and ensuring all equipment operates safely and efficiently. The ideal candidate will have practical experience with agricultural machinery, strong diagnostic abilities, and a commitment to maintaining high operational standards. This is a hands‑on role offering the opportunity to work with advanced farming technology in a vital industry. You will be an integral part of supporting the agricultural community in and around Queenstown. We are seeking a reliable, proactive individual with a solid understanding of mechanics and a passion for agriculture. This role involves both workshop-based tasks and on‑site service calls to farms.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on tractors, harvesters, planters, irrigation systems, and other farm machinery.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic failures in agricultural equipment.
• Conduct pre-season inspections and ensure machinery is ready for optimal operation.
• Assist with the installation and setup of new agricultural equipment.
• Respond to on‑farm repair requests and provide timely and effective solutions.
• Maintain accurate service records, including parts used and labor hours.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are maintained in good working order.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures while working in the workshop or on farms.
• Keep abreast of new agricultural technologies and maintenance techniques.
• Provide basic operational guidance to farm staff on equipment care.

Requirements

• A relevant trade qualification (e.g., Diesel Mechanic, Agricultural Mechanisation, Fitter and Turner) or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in maintaining and repairing agricultural machinery or heavy equipment.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic troubleshooting skills specific to farm equipment.
• Experience with common agricultural brands and types of machinery is highly desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and service bulletins.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and hand/power tools.
• A strong commitment to safety and safe work practices.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively, often under pressure during peak seasons.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to farm locations within the Queenstown area.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Potential for overtime pay during peak seasons.
• Contribution to medical aid and pension fund.
• Annual performance-based bonuses.
• Ongoing training on new equipment and technologies.
• Company-provided tools and safety equipment.
• Paid annual leave.
• Opportunity to work in a crucial sector supporting food security.
• Supportive team environment.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging agricultural maintenance tasks.