Mechanic 1

Darling Ingredients Inc.; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Darling Ingredients is seeking a Mechanic 1 to perform routine maintenance and repair on trailers, diesel, and gasoline powered vehicles and plant equipment. You will develop core competencies under supervision and support higher‑level mechanics.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and teamwork in a manufacturing/animal‑based processing environment, with training opportunities and potential travel for certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver's license required.
• 1+ year experience in vehicle maintenance or related technical field.
• Must have personal basic tool set to perform preventative maintenance.
• Basic understanding of diesel and gasoline engine operation and components.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
• Experience with basic computer tasks and use of fleet software.
• Detail oriented; highly organized.

Responsibilities

• Performs preventive maintenance and repair on all fleet vehicles and plant equipment (wheel Loaders, Skid Steers, Man Lifts, Scissor Lifts, Backhoe, Lawn mowers, Farm Tractors).
• Reviews driver vehicle inspection reports and repair inspections as directed by Mechanic 3s and Fleet Manager.
• Performs routine maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks.
• Inspects and replaces basic components like belts, hoses, batteries, and lights.
• Assists in diagnosing mechanical issues using basic diagnostic tools.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the shop and work areas.
• Documents work performed and parts used through maintenance logs or fleet management systems.
• Supports Mechanic 2 and 3 under supervision with more complex repairs and diagnostics.
• Responds to roadside service calls for disabled vehicles when required.
• Familiar with safety rules and participates in safety meetings.
• Participate in ongoing training and certification programs (travel as needed).
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Hand tools

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Basic diagnostic awareness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Diagnostic tools

Fleet software

Shop equipment

Power tools

Hand tools

Job description

We're one of the world's leading practitioners of circularity, transforming materials from the animal agriculture and food industries into valuable ingredients. Ingredients that nourish people, feed animals and crops, and fuel the world with renewable energy.

The Mechanic 1is responsible forconducting routine maintenance and performing basic repairs on trailers, diesel, andgasoline poweredvehicles and plant equipment. A Mechanic 1 is designed to develop core competencies in fleet equipment maintenance under the supervision of Mechanic 2, 3, and Fleet Managers.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs all preventive maintenance and repair work necessary on all fleet vehicles and plant vehicle, and plant equipment (wheel Loaders, Skid Steers, Man Lifts, Scissor Lifts, Backhoe, Lawn mowers, and Farm Tractors)
• Reviews driver vehicle inspection reports and repair inspections as directed by Mechanic 3s and/or the Fleet Manager
• Performs routine maintenance such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks
• Inspects and replaces basic components like belts, hoses, batteries, and lights
• Assistsin diagnosing mechanical issues using basic diagnostic tools
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the shop and work areas
• Documents work performed and parts used through maintenance logs or fleet management systems
• Supports Mechanic 2 and3,undertheir supervision, with more complex repairs and diagnostics
• Responds to roadside service calls for disabled vehicles whenrequired
• Responsible for being familiar with andobservingall company safety rules and regulations; recognizes that safety is top company priority; attends regularly scheduled safety meetings
• Participate in ongoing training and certification programs (travel as needed)
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Must have valid Driver's license
• 1+ year experience in vehicle maintenance or related technical field
• Must have personal basic tool set to perform preventative maintenance (based on location)
• Basic understanding of diesel and gasoline engine operation and components
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment
• Experience with basic computer tasks and use of fleet software
• Detail oriented; highly organized

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A CDL preferred, may berequiredbased on requirements of the location
• Brake certification preferred, must be obtained within 6 months of hire date
• Vocational training preferred
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Self-starter; self-motivated

Darling Ingredients offers full time employees a full suite of benefits including but not limited to the following: 401(k), Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, and Paid Time Off.

Darling Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military service, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local law. Know Your Rights: If you would like more information, please click on the link and paste into your browser: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster of this job.