Mechanic I Full Time NEW

Deadline Date: Monday, August 17, 2026

Applications are invited for the post of Mechanic I (Grade 4) (Daily Paid) in the University Field Station, Faculty of Food and Agriculture.

Duties of the post include:

1. Developing preventative maintenance schedules for all vehicles, machines, and equipment.

2. Performing all scheduled and emergency maintenance and repairs on vehicles, tractors, heavy equipment, and general mechanical systems at the Field Station to ensure continuous operational efficiency.

3. Sourcing parts required for repairs to vehicles and equipment at the Field Station and liaising with external suppliers where repairs cannot be completed in-house.

4. Maintaining the workshop/garage in a neat and orderly condition and ensuring adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.

5. Executing weekly maintenance of the UFS dairy system, including cleaning milk lines, checking the suction pump, and changing oils.

6. Conducting weekly maintenance of the pasteurization system, including checking oil levels, cleaning overhead lines, and servicing pasteurizing machines.

7. Maintaining and repairing all light equipment, including weed whackers, mist blowers, chain saws, fogging machines, pressure washers, and water pumps.

8. Assisting with general maintenance of farm infrastructure, including undertaking welding repairs and fabrication as required.

9. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers of spare parts, machine shops, and farm equipment suppliers (e.g., Trintrac).

10. Promptly informing the Field Station Manager and/or Foreman of any concerns regarding vehicles and equipment on the farm.

11. Participating in mandatory, job-related and developmental training, coaching and briefing sessions as required by the University, Department or Supervisor, and applying the knowledge and skills gained to support effective performance, compliance with policies and procedures, and improved service delivery.

12. Performing any other related duties as may be assigned by the UFS Manager or Foreman.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Applicants should have knowledge and familiarity with the University’s mission, regulations, structure, policies and procedures. The applicant must possess thorough knowledge of diesel and petrol engine repair and maintenance, as well as the operation and maintenance of tractors and heavy farm machinery. The applicant must be proficient in diagnostic techniques for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical faults in vehicles and equipment and must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret technical manuals, diagrams, and schematics. Sound knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, along with a strong understanding of health and safety practices in both workshop and farm environments, is also required. Additionally, the applicant should have working knowledge of the agricultural sector in Trinidad and Tobago, including familiarity with key suppliers of truck and tractor parts. Practical skills in welding and metal fabrication (MIG, TIG, or arc) would be an asset. The applicant should also possess good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with supervisors and external suppliers, as well as the ability to work independently and manage time efficiently in order to prioritize multiple repair and maintenance requests. Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends/ public holidays when required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

Candidates must possess a minimum of three (3) GCE or CXC ‘O’ Level passes (General I, II, or III from 1998), including English Language, or an equivalent or higher standard of education from a registered or accredited institution or should have successfully completed, or be currently enrolled in The UWI Ancillary Staff Training Programme or the C.O.R.E. Training Programme.

Preferred:

CXC City & Guilds Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics or NVQ Level 3 in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair or equivalent qualifications from a registered/ accredited institution.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

A minimum of three (3) years of post-qualification experience in the repair and maintenance of a diverse fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment.

Preferred:

A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with farm equipment like tractors, forage harvesters and processing equipment (e.g., pasteurizers, homogenizers)

COMPETENCIES

Client Focus

Interactive Communication

Using Information Technology

Work Ethics and Values

Writing Skills

Concern for Safety

Planning & Organizing

Teamwork

Continuous Learning

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Initiative

Salary will be fixed in accordance with Grade 4 of the (Daily Paid) salary scale at a rate of $37.14 per hour.

Please follow the instructions for completing the online application very carefully. The application must be completed in its entirety since all of the information will be used in the screening process. Failure to complete the online application form as required will prevent your application from being processed.

You are required to upload an updated resume, two (2) written references and other supporting documentation including birth certificates and awarded degree certificates should be electronically attached to the application.