Pivot Technician / Farm Laborer
Position Description
Reports To
Operations Manager
Classification
Full-time, hourly, non-exempt
Compensation
$22.00 – $28.00 per hour, depending on experience
Location
Based at Juniata and Holstein, Nebraska
Territory
Adams, Hall, Webster, and Kearney Counties
Schedule
Year-round. Extended hours and on-call rotations during peak seasons.
POSITION SUMMARY
Keeps water moving. This role owns the day-to-day mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic health of Weeks Family Farms’ center pivot systems, wells, and delivery infrastructure — and fills in on general field and grain operations when irrigation demand allows.
COMPENSATION
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
HOURLY RANGE
Mechanically inclined; will train on pivot systems
$22.00 – $23.00
Works independently; comfortable with meter and wiring diagrams
$24.00 – $27.00
Experienced pivot tech with panel/VFD ability and CDL
$28.00 – $30.00
Farm pickup provided. Wages reviewed annually. Overtime treatment per applicable federal and state law. Benefits: health insurance, retirement with company match, paid time off, and paid holidays.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Pivot Mechanical (Primary)
– Service and repair gearboxes, centerdrives, U-joints, driveshafts, and tower boxes
– Replace and repair tires, rims, and drive train components in field conditions
– Inspect, replace, and calibrate sprinkler packages, pressure regulators, drops, and end guns
– Perform preseason startup inspections and end-of-season winterization on all pivot units
– Maintain a written service record for each pivot: hours, repairs, parts used, recurring failure points
Electrical and Controls
– Troubleshoot pivot control panels, collector rings, safety circuits, and tower box wiring
– Diagnose and service variable frequency drives, motor starters, and pump panels
– Trace wiring faults, repair underground and above-ground electrical runs, replace damaged conduit
– Support telemetry and remote monitoring hardware; report connectivity failures promptly
Wells, Pumps, and Water Delivery
– Monitor well performance; recognize declining output, cavitation, sanding, and pressure loss
– Service pump gearheads, packing, column, and discharge assemblies
– Locate and repair underground pipe leaks, mainline breaks, valves, risers, and hydrants
– Maintain flow meters and support water use reporting for NRD compliance
– Assist with chemigation equipment inspection, backflow devices, and required certifications
General Field Labor
– Operate tractors and implements for tillage, planting support, and application logistics
– Run grain cart at harvest; haul grain between fields, Juniata, Holstein, and Norman as needed
– Assist with mechanical weed control on organic acres, observing all NOP-required equipment cleanout and buffer protocols
– Support grain bin operations, aeration checks, and site upkeep
– Assist with fence, gate, road, and general property maintenance in the off-season
Scope Boundary
This position performs field-level repair and preventive maintenance. Major engine, drivetrain, and hydraulic overhauls, DOT-regulated truck work, and shop-based rebuilds route to the Farm Mechanic. Pivot-related engine work beyond routine service — oil, filters, belts, plugs — is coordinated with the Mechanic rather than performed independently.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
– Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
– Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of basic 480V three-phase and 120/240V single-phase electrical systems
– Ability to read wiring diagrams and use a multimeter with confidence
– Comfortable working independently across a wide geography with limited daily supervision
– Reliable communication and willingness to answer the phone outside normal hours during peak seasons
Preferred
– Prior experience with Valley, Zimmatic, Reinke, or T-L pivot systems
– Welding and fabrication ability (MIG and stick)
– Class A CDL, or willingness to obtain within a defined period
– Nebraska chemigation certification, or willingness to obtain
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Regularly lifts up to 75 lbs; occasionally more with assistance. Works outdoors in extreme heat, cold, mud, and standing water. Climbs pivot towers and ladders. Works in and around moving machinery, energized electrical equipment, and pressurized water systems. Frequent driving between sites.
TO APPLY
Contact Ryan Weeks at 402-469-0393 or [email protected]. Calls and texts welcome.
Weeks Family Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and responsibilities may be adjusted as operational needs change.
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
