Deep Springs College
Deep Springs College, a unique educational institution in the high desert of Eastern California, is in need of an experienced and skilled Ranch Mechanic. This position requires an individual with a deep understanding and skill set in managing diverse mechanical systems and hands-on maintenance and repair work in collaboration with a dynamic and motivated staff and student team.
The Ranch Mechanic’s responsibilities will extend across our active ranch and farm, encompassing a diverse fleet of vehicles, critical farm machinery, and extensive infrastructure, including wells, farm irrigation infrastructure, and a surface water irrigation system. The Ranch Mechanic is appointed by the president of the college and responsible to the Ranch Manager and Operations Manager.
Job Summary
The Ranch Mechanic is an integral part of Deep Springs College. By overseeing the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, this role ensures the smooth running of the college’s farming, academic, and extracurricular activities. In addition to this, the Ranch Mechanic’s work on major infrastructure helps to secure the future of the college, boosting its resilience and sustainability.
In their role, they train novice students on the importance and intricacies of mechanical work and how it supports a self-sufficient community like Deep Springs. Their work directly contributes to the college’s mission of self-governance, labor, and learning.
The Ranch Mechanic is a supervisor, teacher, and mentor for students. They carry out the following responsibilities, with the help of a student team:
Key Responsibilities
- Infrastructure and Fleet Maintenance:
- Repairing and maintaining all college-owned vehicles and equipment.
- Managing the preventive maintenance and replacement programs for all vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Ensuring regular inspection, maintenance, and repair of vehicles used for College business.
- Assisting the Ranch and Farm Manager with maintenance and repair of farm and ranch equipment, when needed.
- Training student drivers.
- Monitoring, maintaining, arranging repairs for electrical distribution poles and lines.
- Troubleshooting and repairing kitchen equipment, refrigeration and HVAC systems in coordination with the Facilities and Grounds Manager.
- Supervision and operation of Photovoltaic and Hydroelectric Generating Plants, including:
- Keeping operation and maintenance records.
- Arranging needed repairs.
- Performing some low-level, routine maintenance.
- Implementation of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program and the College Safety Policy for the areas of responsibility.
The Ranch Mechanic, like all staff positions, may be required to spend some of their working time joining on a governance committee for the college, e.g. the applications committee. They may also have the opportunity, should they so choose, to offer an independent study or small class on skills beyond the regular supervision and instruction of student laborers.
Qualifications
We are open to candidates early in their career with the potential to fully grow into this role as well as experienced professionals ready to quickly master every element of this position.
- Five years’ experience as a mechanic, preferably with exposure to agricultural or similar settings.
- Demonstrated expertise in vehicle and equipment maintenance, exposure to gas, diesel, and electric systems.
- Strong interpersonal and teaching skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals, from students to professionals.
- Proficiency in project management, with a proven track record of successfully overseeing infrastructure projects.
- A problem-solving mindset, with the capacity to navigate complex systems and unexpected challenges.
- Ability to manage budgets and balance operational priorities effectively.
- Current and insurable California Drivers License.
Deep Springs values diversity and encourages individuals with various experiences and backgrounds to apply.
Working at Deep Springs College offers rewarding experiences beyond the scope of individual roles. Staff members not only manage their respective responsibilities but also interact with students, providing guidance in their studies, work, and communal decision-making. Staff also set high behavioral and communicative standards, participate in campus events, and collaborate on problem-solving and improvements. This unique, intimate setting is often considered a rare privilege and enriching aspect of professional life.
This job is a five-day work week but must be flexible for “on call situations,” emergencies, and special events such as (but not limited to) extraordinary projects, board meetings, and reunions.
Compensation and Benefits
The Ranch Mechanic position offers the following outstanding benefits:
- On-site housing
- Paid utilities
- Meals provided
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Above-average PTO allowance (starting at 27 days)
- Substantial retirement contribution
- Professional development funding and opportunities
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, alongside the opportunity to live and work in a distinctive educational environment. Here, you can have a meaningful and singular impact.
The salary range for the Ranch Mechanic is $65,000 – $80,000. We are open to negotiating compensation beyond this range for candidates with exceptional experience.
College Description
Deep Springs College is a private, nonsectarian, fully accredited, two-year college program for academically-gifted young people, located on a small cattle-and- alfalfa ranch in a beautiful, remote area of the White Mountains on the California-Nevada border. 24-30 students attend. Watch 60 Minutes profile about Deep Springs College from 2022.
The program, founded in 1917, combines rigorous academic coursework with a minimum of 20 hours of physical labor each week. Students milk cows, wash dishes, assist in the office, cook, clean, make hay, and tend to cattle, horses and gardens.
All members of the Deep Springs community—the students, faculty, staff, president, and resident families—live on-site and take part in fostering and developing community life, at the same time respecting each others’ need for privacy. Room and board is provided for all employees as part of a robust benefits package.
Deep Springs is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, age, or disability. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The college is located in California’s Eastern Sierra region on Highway 168, 26 miles east of Big Pine, California, 11 miles from the Nevada state line. Death Valley National Park and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest are directly adjacent to the College, and Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, the Buttermilks, and Mammoth and are all within a few hours’ drive. Los Angeles is a 5-hour drive away, Las Vegas is 3.5 hours; and the San Francisco Bay Area is 7-8 hours depending on the season.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
For additional information, visit www.deepsprings.edu. Applicants must consent to a background check.
If you believe you would excel in this role and make a meaningful contribution to our community, please apply by sending the following to our email address (listed):
- your resume
- a cover letter stating your interest and qualifications
- two professional references
We eagerly await your application.
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Administrative/Operations Jobs, All Ranch Jobs, Cattle Ranch Jobs, Farm Ranch Jobs, Hay Ranch Jobs, Ranch Handyman / Maintenance Jobs, Ranch Jobs with Housing, Ranch Mechanic Jobs, Ranch Supervisor Jobs, Ranch Technician Jobs