Operations & Maintenance Lead - MN

Location: Northfield, Minnesota
Employment Type: Full-Time, Seasonal
Season: April – November
Pay: $25–$30/hour, depending on experience
Reports To: Regional Project Supervisor (Upper Midwest)

About Cannon Valley Graziers: At Cannon Valley Graziers (CVG), we provide land management services for solar energy and conservation projects across the Central and Western United States. Our mission is to improve biodiversity, soil health, and ecological function through the use of targeted grazing and complementary land management services. Our team is made up of shepherds, farmers, ecologists, and operators working together toward a shared reimagining of how livestock, people, and landscapes can coexist. We place a strong emphasis on respect, hard work, dignity, safety, and accountability.

Position Summary: We are seeking a hardworking and organized mechanic to support and help lead our solar vegetation management operations in Minnesota. The Operations & Maintenance Lead is responsible for maintaining and repairing a fleet of trucks, trailers, tractors, skid loaders, and zero-turn mowers, while also providing hands-on support to field operations as needed. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of mechanical systems, works independently to diagnose and solve problems, stays organized across multiple pieces of equipment, and enjoys a varied, field-based work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and repair a fleet of wide-area mowers and related equipment

  • Manage service intervals, preventative maintenance, and repair records

  • Perform on-site diagnostics and mobile repairs to minimize downtime

  • Oversee shop organization, tools, and parts inventory

  • Operate mowing equipment as part of field crews when needed

  • Train technicians on proper equipment operation and daily inspections

Schedule & Work Environment:

  • Typical workload is approximately 30-40 hours per week;

  • Outdoor work in heat, humidity, and variable weather;

  • Travel between local project sites required, occasional overnight may be trips required.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent;

  • 2+ years experience equipment maintenance & related field operations;

  • The ability to communicate clearly in English;

  • Welding experience (preferred);

  • Class A CDL (preferred);

To Apply:

Send resume and cover letter to: jobs@cannonvalleygraziers.com