Mechanical Technician

position Summary

The Mechanical Technician is a hands-on field and workshop role responsible for installing, assembling, testing, commissioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting mechanical equipment used in orchard and farm packing facilities. This includes conveyors, grading/sorting systems, packing stations, pallet handling equipment, pumps, pneumatic systems, and related production machinery. The technician works closely with growers, packhouse staff, electricians, and service providers to ensure equipment is installed safely and operates reliably during packing seasons.

Key Responsibilities

Installation \& Assembly

• Install and assemble packing-line machinery at orchards, farms, and packhouses.
• Fit mechanical components including conveyors, rollers, bearings, guards, frames, gearboxes, drives, pumps, valves, and pneumatic devices.
• Read and work from engineering drawings, equipment manuals, layout plans, and installation instructions.
• Use hand tools, power tools, alignment tools, and lifting equipment safely.

Testing \& Commissioning

• Perform mechanical pre-start checks and commissioning activities.
• Verify alignment, tensioning, lubrication, rotation direction, guarding, and operational performance.
• Assist with functional testing of packing equipment, grading systems, and material flow through the line.
• Identify and rectify installation defects, leaks, abnormal vibration, noise, overheating, or misalignment.
• Document test results, commissioning records, and corrective actions

Maintenance \& Troubleshooting

• Carry out preventive maintenance and seasonal servicing of packing facilities.
• Diagnose mechanical faults and perform repairs to minimize production downtime.
• Replace worn components such as bearings, belts, chains, seals, rollers, couplings, and pneumatic fittings.
• Coordinate with electricians or automation technicians when faults involve motors,sensors, controls, or PLC systems.

Safety \& Compliance

• Follow company safety procedures, site inductions, and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Maintain safe work practices when working around conveyors, moving machinery, elevated platforms, and forklifts.
• Ensure installed equipment has appropriate guarding and is left in a safe operating condition.

Documentation \& Teamwork

• Complete job sheets, maintenance records, and parts usage reports.
• Communicate installation progress, issues, and commissioning outcomes to supervisors and clients.
• Support training of operators on basic

Requirements

This is not primarily a desk-based position. The technician is expected to:

• Work directly on machinery using tools and test equipment.
• Travel to orchards, farms, packhouses, and field installations.
• Lift, fit, align, adjust, and repair mechanical equipment.
• Participate in commissioning and production start-up activities.
• Respond to breakdowns during packing operations, including seasonal peak periods when required.

Qualifications \& Experience

Required

• Trade qualification or higher in engineering, mechanical engineering, maintenance engineering, fitting \& turning, industrial maintenance, electronics, electrical engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience installing, maintaining, or commissioning industrial or agricultural equipments.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and equipment manuals.
• Competence with common workshop and field tools.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to customer sites.

Desirable

• Experience with orchard or packhouse equipment (fruit grading, sorting, washing, conveying, packing, palletizing, or cold-store systems).
• Knowledge of pneumatic systems and basic hydraulic systems.
• Forklift, elevated work platform, or rigging experience (where permitted and certified).
• understanding of electrical isolation and commissioning procedures.

Pay: $30.00 – $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Travel reimbursement

Work Location: In person