Farm Grounds & Equipment Maintenance Technici in Salem, Oregon at The Asher House Sanctuary

Position Summary

The Farm Grounds & Equipment Maintenance Technician is responsible for keeping farm grounds, buildings, equipment areas, and shared facilities clean, safe, organized, and well maintained. This position supports daily farm operations through routine cleaning, groundskeeping, minor repairs, equipment care, and general maintenance tasks, with particular emphasis on the safe operation and upkeep of tractors and other larger farm machinery. This position also completes sanctuary projects, which may include repairs and assisting with other sanctuary initiatives as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Enclosure and Grounds Care

• Clean all outdoor animal areas, ensuring animals have clean and safe enclosures throughout the day, and keep areas well maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
• Remove trash, debris, weeds, and other hazards from work areas, walkways, parking areas, fence lines, and farm grounds.
• Clean and maintain farm grounds to ensure the ideal environment for the animals.
• Clean and sanitize animal housing areas.
• Ensure various outdoor animal enclosures are deep cleaned and prepared for current and incoming animals prior to arrival, where appropriate.
• Set up new enclosures for livestock.
• Assist with livestock as needed.

Pasture and Field Maintenance

• Manage pasture field maintenance and care for farm animal enclosures.

• Identify plants, pests, and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow and maintain fields.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance

• Operate and maintain building functions, including repairing farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
• Maintain tools, supplies, and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Assist with any repairs or groundskeeping as needed.
• Complete sanctuary projects, including but not limited to repairs and assisting with other sanctuary projects.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all workplace safety procedures, sanitation standards, and equipment operating guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience working with or around farm animals.
• Previous experience in groundskeeping, farm maintenance, landscaping, construction, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to safely use basic hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, heavy machinery, and cleaning equipment.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to complete a variety of hands-on tasks.
• Ability to work independently and follow directions from supervisors.
• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have dependable transportation.
• Valid driver's license and background check required.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, mud, dust, and uneven terrain.
• May be exposed to farm equipment, cleaning products, animals, insects, loud noise, and other typical farm conditions.
• Must be able to follow safety procedures and use personal protective equipment when required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with farm, ranch, greenhouse, nursery, or agricultural facility maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems, fencing, small engines, plumbing, electrical, or equipment maintenance.
• Experience operating mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, pressure washers, or similar equipment.
• Ability to identify and correct safety hazards before they become larger issues.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.