Position Title: Mechanical Tech,Sr

Employee Classification: Mechanical Tech,Sr

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  25.56

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  The Jornada Experimental Range team is looking for a hands-on, dependable individual to support our Range Staff and researchers. You'll help maintain field vehicles, tools, and range facilities that are essential to our science and land management mission. If you enjoy working outdoors and being part of a dynamic research environment, we want to hear from you!

Classification Summary:
Lays out, builds, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, designs, and modifies developmental and production parts, equipment, and systems. Applies principles and theories of engineering mathematics, and physics.

Classification Standard Duties:
Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments. Assembles experimental or complete prototype models according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of systems and components. Discusses layout and assembly procedures and problems with engineers, researchers, or other professionals. Recommends changes or installation specifications to simplify assembly and maintenance. Sets up standard or complex test apparatus or devises test equipment to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate performance and reliability of prototype or production models. Performs hardware and software maintenance and assists in proper upkeep and utilization of systems. Analyzes and interprets test data. Adjusts, calibrates, aligns, and modifies parts and components and records effects on unit performance. Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems. Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods. Maintains technical documentation; writes technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics. May operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing. May check functioning of newly installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Vocational/Technical certificate or an associate's degree.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of the practical application of science and technology. Knowledge of mechanical layouts, components and mechanical assembly procedures. Knowledge of computer aided design software. Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures.; SKILLS:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Records maintenance skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to prepare field drawings of design proposals. Ability to perform preventive maintenance on hardware, machines, or equipment. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to read and follow technical instructions and manuals. Ability to evaluate systems and Ability to prepare field drawings of design proposals. Ability to perform preventive maintenance on hardware, machines, or equipment. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to read and follow technical instructions and manuals. Ability to evaluate systems and design specification modifications. Ability to communicate with and understand the requirements of professional staff in area of specialty. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to make adjustments and modifications to hardware, machines, or equipment. Ability to analyze operational data and develop graphic and/or written interpretations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Performs general maintenance and repair of facilities that support livestock research including corrals, fences, wells, pipelines, troughs, solar pumping systems, etc.
• Performs rangeland management practices, ranch livestock facility repair and maintenance. Maintain and repair pens, corrals, and barbed wire fencing. Knowledgeable in the equipment and tools required to perform these duties. Design and fabricate tools and equipment together to have an item that fits in the projects/field study needs.
• Keeps vehicles and equipment available for use by inspecting and completing preventive maintenance and preforming repairs as needed. Vehicles and equipment include small, air-cooled engines, trucks, ATVs/UTVs, and heavy equipment with diesel engines and hydraulics.
• Inventory maintenance of parts and supplies so faculty and staff are aware of what is being used and what is available.
• Performs general facility and building maintenance such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, and electrical work carried out in this position are less than journeyman work and are concerned with the more routine maintenance and repair of the facility buildings and infrastructure.
• Maintain several miles of dirt and gravel roads by use of a motor grader and other heavy road equipment and machinery.
• Assist with the maintenance and repairs of water wells located in various areas of the Jornada Experimental Range.
• Operates various hand tools and power tools. Operates small and heavy equipment to include bobcat, backhoe, trencher, tractor, road grader, etc.
• Maintenance of fleet fuel distribution equipment, calculating fuel needs and storage, and completing fuel usage records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with range/ranch maintenance tasks
• Knowledge of vehicles and heavy equipment to include operation, preventive maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of maintenance and repair for buildings, corrals, roads, and fences
• Knowledge of routine electrical repair and plumbing
• Knowledge of welding, metal working, and fabrication
• Knowledge in handling livestock in small areas, feeding and proper methods of moving livestock.
• Ability to motivate, train, and work effectively with subordinates.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and organize work activities effectively. Ability to read and interpret construction and field research plans.
• Ability to adjust work operations to meet emergencies without compromising quality of work
• Willingness and ability to learn and attend training courses.

Special Requirements of the Position
Ability to work outdoors during hot or cold, windy weather.

Department Contact:  Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, slish@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.