*UPDATED* Hiring: Farmer/Mechanic to provide tractor maintenance and repair training – CISA
CISA is seeking a qualified farmer/mechanic to provide tractor maintenance and repair training for a partner organization. Please e-mail Jim@buylocalfood.org or call 413-352-9718 with questions or to submit qualifications.
Timing: Trainings to be conducted between January-April
Frequency: There is flexibility with scheduling and structure. There should be at minimum two workshops that cover the major systems listed below, with a preference for weekly/biweekly workshops. Training may also be structured as an apprenticeship where the trainer will be paid to have an apprentice available to assist with projects that cover the major systems. Please contact Jim (Jim@buylocalfood.org or 413-352-9718) to discuss.
Number of students: 1-4
Training components: Instructor will demonstrate how to safely maintain tractors and diagnose & repair common problems. Major systems and procedures to be covered include:
o Engine systems including fuel, oil, and coolant
o Drivetrain, including transmission and clutch
o Lubrication
o Hydraulics
o PTO drives/implement connections
o Electrical systems
o Pre-operational checks
o Maintenance schedules
o How to make repairs safely (PPE, use of correct tools, blocking/jacking)
Other: Must be able to provide use of own shop, tools, and preferably more than one tractor to demonstrate maintenance on different sizes or models (for example, one compact and one utility tractor or Cat I vs. Cat II). Some training may take place on the contracting organization’s farm. Ideally, the trainer will have experience in teaching these concepts to others. Training location should be within a 30-minute drive of the Springfield, MA area.
Insurance: Trainer shall provide proof of insurance that will cover training activities. Contracting organization will list trainer as additionally insured, and participants will sign liability waivers. Each entity shall agree in writing to hold the other harmless.
Rate: $100 per hour or $500 per four-hour workshop. Hourly rate will apply for any travel to/from host organization’s farm. Up to $500 in funds is available for materials needed for training, including handouts, PPE, and consumables needed to demonstrate maintenance like oil/fuel/air filters, etc.
