Farm Equipment Operator & Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Do you have a mechanical mindset, love solving problems with your hands, and enjoy operating and maintaining equipment in an agricultural setting? Are you someone who thrives in a fast-moving, hands-on environment and enjoys the challenge of working with complex tools and machines? If you take pride in keeping equipment running smoothly and building practical solutions in the field, this might be the right opportunity for you!

About Us:

MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.

The Farm Equipment Operator & Maintenance Technician is a critical part of our Products Division, which produces more than 100 species of native seed across three farm locations in Minnesota. This role helps power our restoration impact by operating and maintaining the specialized equipment that drives our planting, harvesting, and seed cleaning efforts throughout the year.

The Opportunity:

We're seeking a Farm Equipment Operator & Maintenance Technician to join our team supporting native seed operations. This hands-on, farm-based role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys solving mechanical challenges, operating a wide range of agricultural equipment, and contributing to mission-driven work in the field.

You'll play a vital role in maintaining and operating equipment used throughout the seed production cycle - from planting and weed control to harvesting and seed cleaning. Your mechanical skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt will help ensure successful, efficient operations. Much of our equipment has been fabricated or modified in-house, requiring operators to be quick learners with a sharp eye for mechanical quirks and the confidence to troubleshoot in the field.

What You Will Do:

• Operate diverse agricultural equipment: Run tractors, combines, skid-loaders, mowers, and self-propelled sprayers to support core seed production activities including planting, weed management, harvesting, and spraying.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance: Conduct daily inspections, grease fittings, monitor fluid levels, and address wear-and-tear issues to keep machines field-ready and reduce downtime.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical issues: Troubleshoot problems in real-time and perform basic repairs to restore functionality quickly and safely.
• Support equipment fabrication and modification: Use your skills in metalworking and welding to adapt or build attachments and equipment to fit our specific production needs.
• Assist with seed production tasks: Contribute to hands-on activities such as seed cleaning, weed control, and field prep as needed.

What You Will Need To Be Successful:

• Proven experience operating equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, combines, or similar farm/construction machinery; ability to independently operate at least a tractor and skid loader is required.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience with general equipment upkeep, diagnostics, and basic repair; welding or fabrication skills are a strong plus.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following: equipment operation, equipment maintenance/repair, or welding/fabrication - with a willingness to cross-train in others.
• Comfortable using hand and power tools; able to troubleshoot and adapt in dynamic field or shop environments.
• Willing to obtain a commercial pesticide applicator license; familiarity with herbicide application is helpful.
• Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
• Able to lift up to 50lbs. and work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

MNL requires all selected applicants who accept a job offer with the company to complete a pre-employment background check and motor vehicle records (MVR) search. All hired employees are also subject to random drug testing under our zero tolerance drug & alcohol policy.