General Summary

Performs maintenance and repair of Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) fleet of vehicles, on & off road equipment, rolling stock and stationary equipment within designated district. Utilizes mechanical and automotive expertise to effectively maintain and repair specialized vehicles and related equipment used in fertilizer and crop protectant application and refined fuels delivery, as well as commercial delivery of bulk and packaged merchandise. Strictly adheres to government regulations and SSC operating procedures.

Essential Job Functions

This is a multilevel position. Essential Job Functions and Licensing Requirements will increase in complexity with salary grade.

• Maintain regular communication with facility leadership regarding daily service, maintenance and repair of SSC fleet vehicles and related equipment. Provide updates and input on schedule, job progress, supply of materials and parts, and other critical factors.
• Safely perform maintenance and repair of SSC motorized fleet vehicles and related equipment. Vehicles will vary by location and may include:
• Forklifts
• Loaders
• ATV/UTV
• Cars
• Light Duty Trucks
• Medium Duty Trucks
• Heavy Duty Trucks
• Off road machinery
• Tractors and implements
• High Clearance fertilizer spreaders & sprayers
• Conveyors
• Blenders
• Effectively utilize mechanical, automotive, millwright, and other specialized skills and the appropriate tools as determined by the job. Gather and analyze information to diagnose malfunctions and troubleshoot systems. Calibrate equipment to proper settings. Read and effectively interpret mechanical and automotive specifications, manuals, diagrams, meters, gauges, and control panels to perform maintenance, repair, and installation of parts.
• Effectively operate Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) commercial motor vehicles in compliance with government regulations and SSC policy.
• Complete reports, logs, vehicle and equipment maintenance records and other related documents accurately, neatly, and in a timely manner. Maintain complete and up-to-date files on parts manuals, service manuals, and service bulletins. Maintain files on all equipment including bill of materials, guarantee and warranty cards, and records of service.
• Ensure that all in-warranty parts are returned to supplier along with proper information in order for location to receive proper credit.
• Maintain adequate parts inventory. Assist with taking physical inventory of parts, equipment and merchandise. Adhere to inventory control initiatives. May assist with shipping and/or receiving of related products as determined by business need. Effectively utilize forklift and other material handling equipment according to facility procedures.
• May instruct and train personnel in proper operation and maintenance of various fleet vehicles and equipment at SSC locations. Provide technical information in a clear and concise manner regarding proper methods of testing fertilizer equipment for spread patterns and calibrations.
• Participate in specialized training, certification courses, and/or meetings as requested. Learn and develop techniques to enhance job performance and to stay current on industry safety and operational standards.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area by keeping tools, equipment and supplies in proper places. Minimize waste and properly dispose of waste material. Perform all related cleaning of equipment, vehicle and work areas according to Housekeeping Plan and SSC procedures.
• Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Operate all equipment and vehicles according to SSC policy and government regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies.
• Depending upon location, may assist with loading and/or unloadingof refined fuel products, fertilizer, crop protectants or related equipment to SSC and/orcustomer sites according to standard operating procedures and government regulations.
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Requires a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)

GRADE 426 Experience -- Training Level:

Requires knowledge of mechanical and automotive systems and ability to learn and develop repair and maintenance skills in a trainee role. Previous Southern States work experience a plus.

Licensing requirements vary by location and are based on state/federal regulations.

May require Commercial Driver's License depending upon location (or ability to obtain)

May require Hazardous Materials and/or Tanker Endorsements (or ability to obtain)

Prefer previous automotive maintenance & repair experience

• This position requires the safe operation of a motor vehicle to perform essential job functions and mandatory compliance with the SSC motor vehicle safety policy
• Satisfactory completion of required training and certification, dependent upon location
• Effective knowledge of mechanical, automotive, and related specialized skills
• Able to cut, weld, and fabricate metal
• Able to read and interpret blueprints and schematic symbols, manuals, mechanical and automotive specifications, diagrams, meters, gauges, and control panels
• Able to gather and analyze data to troubleshoot and diagnose repair needs utilizing test instruments and specialized tools
• Computer literacy to operate SSC business systems
• Able to effectively communicate technical information
• Able to utilize interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment
• Able to work well independently and follow safety, quality control and operating procedures at all times
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; able to calculate dimensions, liquid measurements and calibrations
• Able to perform work with concentration, focus and attention to detail
• Able to operate a forklift, handcart and other industrial equipment
• Able to complete paperwork, reports, documentation, and email communication in a legible, organized, and timely manner
• Able to speak, read, write the English language in a proficient manner
• Able to work in a fast paced team environment
• Able to work extended hours to meet business demands

• Able to learn and effectively apply knowledge of SSC lines of business and specialized vehicles utilized in the application of fertilizer and crop protectants as well as refined fuels transport& Anhydrous Ammonia

Work Environment

Performs essential job functions in an environment subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity. At times may perform essential functions outdoors not protected from weather conditions.

Frequently exposed to hazards including:

• Moving mechanical parts, vehicles and vibrations
• Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan
• Dust, odors, fumes and chemicals associated with fertilizers and crop protectants
• Heating oil, kerosene, diesel, gasoline, and/or liquid propane, and related odors and fumes
• Electrical current, lubricants and wet surfaces associated with the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles and related equipment

Schedule requirements will vary during peak and off-peak seasons. Extended hours and/or alternate work schedules are required and may vary by location. 24/7 On-call or Emergency Service Standby may be required. Ability to report to work on time and in adverse weather conditions is required.

Physical Activities & Requirements

This role requires continuous physical activity to perform essential job functions for the duration of the shift. At times extended hours are required. Description of physical activity is a general summary and may vary by location.

• Continuously bend, crouch, stoop; manual dexterity (fingers and hands) for controls, tools and equipment; reach with arms and hands for extended periods; stand and walk for extended periods on uneven surfaces; utilize hands in repetitive motion; utilize eye/hand/foot coordination; twist back and neck. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently balance, kneel, stack, sweep; climb ladders or steps in and out of vehicle; drive motorized equipment; utilize feet in repetitive motion. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted.
• Occasionally pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds, may be assisted. Depending upon location, may pull or push equipment or parts over 100 pounds with assistance.

Must be able to hear co-workers, radio, and fine equipment sounds for troubleshooting and repairing. Must be able to speak to co-workers regarding equipment repair and safety. Must be able to utilize sense of smell when troubleshooting various systems for repair. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools & Equipment

Hard hat, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, respirator, face shield, front end loader, forklift, handcart, manuals, forms, spreadsheets, telephone, writing instrument. Additional personal protective equipment as required by standard operating procedures and any and all product warning labels. Commercial motor vehicles and specialized tools related to repair and maintenance of fleet vehicles, all of which may vary by location.

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws, or regulations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, functions and skills required for this job. Functions and requirements may change at any time with or without notice.