Farm Mechanization Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Accommodation on the farm may be

Training on new agricultural tech

Stable employment with established ag-

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a hands-on Farm Mechanization Specialist to manage and optimize a large fleet of agricultural machinery on-site in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role focuses on maintenance scheduling, troubleshooting, and safe, efficient operation to support farming activities.

You will develop preventative maintenance programs, oversee spare parts, and train operators while coordinating with farm managers to minimize downtime and maximize productivity of tractors, harvesters, planters, and

Qualifications

• Diploma or relevant certification in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the maintenance and operation of agricultural machinery.
• In-depth knowledge of tractors, combines, implements and irrigation systems; strong diagnostic skills.
• Experience with preventative maintenance planning and execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and repair of all farm machinery and equipment.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to minimize breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on farm equipment.
• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement to ensure timely availability.
• Train farm operators on the correct and safe use of machinery.
• Evaluate new machinery and technologies, providing recommendations for acquisition.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards for all machinery operations.
• Coordinate with external service providers and suppliers for specialized repairs and maintenance.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance, repairs, and equipment performance.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Maintenance planning

Diagnostics

Farm equipment know-how

Leadership

Education

Diploma in Agricultural Engineering

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Technical manuals

Schematics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a large-scale agricultural enterprise operating in the **Bloemfontein, Free State** region, is seeking a hands-on Farm Mechanization Specialist to manage and optimize their fleet of agricultural machinery. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of tractors, harvesters, planters, and other vital equipment. You will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance schedules, troubleshooting mechanical issues, advising on equipment upgrades, and ensuring that all machinery operates safely and efficiently to support farming operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical aptitude, a deep understanding of agricultural machinery, and a practical approach to problem-solving. This is a field-based position requiring presence on the farm to provide direct support and supervision. You will work closely with farm managers and operators to minimize downtime and maximize the productivity of the machinery.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and repair of all farm machinery and equipment.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to minimize breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on farm equipment.
• Manage spare parts inventory and procurement to ensure timely availability.
• Train farm operators on the correct and safe use of machinery.
• Evaluate new machinery and technologies, providing recommendations for acquisition.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards for all machinery operations.
• Coordinate with external service providers and suppliers for specialized repairs and maintenance.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance, repairs, and equipment performance.

Requirements

• Diploma or relevant certification in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the maintenance and operation of agricultural machinery.
• In-depth knowledge of various types of farm equipment, including tractors, combines, implements, and irrigation systems.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Experience with preventative maintenance planning and execution.
• Ability to manage inventory and liaise with suppliers.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical manuals and schematics.
• Good communication and leadership skills.
• Must be able to work effectively on‑site in **Bloemfontein, Free State** and be prepared for hands‑on tasks.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Accommodation on the farm may be available.
• Opportunities for training on new agricultural technologies and machinery.
• Stable employment with a well-established agricultural company.
• A vital role in ensuring the operational efficiency of a large farming operation in **Bloemfontein**.