Job Description:          Ag Maintenance Supervisor (Area 1)

Position Status:            Regular, Full-Time                   

Supervisor:                  Area 1 Manager

Department:                Sugarcane Operations

FLSA:                          Exempt

Company Overview:

U.S. Sugar produces approximately 6.5 million tons of sugarcane annually on more than 200,000 acres of land in the South Florida area. U.S. Sugar owns and operates the largest private agricultural short line railroad in the country and is the only sugar company in the continental United States that transports its harvested cane supply from its farms and other growers by railroad to its sugar factory.

Position Summary:

The Ag Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for improving workforce productivity and work quality by developing and executing effective preventive and corrective maintenance plans. This role ensures job plans include the proper repair processes, procedures, required parts and materials, and estimated time needed for completion. The Ag Maintenance Supervisor manages and provides leadership to a team of mechanics, welders, and servicemen.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and refine planned job packages for completeness and accuracy, making necessary adjustments to labor, materials, parts, methods, and priorities. Communicate changes and rationale to the Planner.
• Ensure job quality and efficiency by regularly monitoring work in progress, mentoring team members, assisting with technical issues, and providing hands-on leadership in the field or shop.
• Maximize productivity between jobs, during breaks, and at shift changes while ensuring maintenance team members follow company policies and work rules.
• Make tactical decisions needed to complete emergency and unscheduled work while staying as close to the maintenance schedule as possible. Reassign crew members and coordinate materials and equipment as needed.
• Follow up on completed work to identify opportunities for improvement, document repair history, address repetitive equipment issues, and support corrective action planning and budget preparation.
• Develop technician craft skills by identifying required competencies and addressing skill gaps among maintenance personnel.
• Lead by empowering employees and setting a positive example.
• Set clear expectations, provide role clarity, offer feedback and guidance, and hold team members accountable.
• Train and coach employees in accordance with company policy.
• Regularly conduct meetings with maintenance team members regarding safety, quality, operational feedback, and financial performance.
• Listen to and consider team member input.
• Provide technical assistance to Operations regarding efficient and cost-effective equipment operation.
• Advise the Operations Manager of equipment requiring excessive maintenance or potential overhaul or replacement.

• Participate in the annual maintenance expense budget development process, monthly variance reviews, and quarterly forecast revisions.
• Provide input to the Harvest Maintenance Manager and Fleet Manager during the annual capital budget development process and three- to five-year capital planning.
• Manage and control maintenance expenses in accordance with budgetary guidelines, typically $7 million to $10 million.

• Effectively manage, coach, and develop maintenance technicians.
• Review maintenance requirements and determine appropriate staffing levels to complete assigned work.
• Interview candidates and make employment recommendations.
• Use the progressive discipline process to address employee performance issues in accordance with company policy.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum of five (5) years of heavy/mobile equipment maintenance planning experience.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in agricultural mechanics, diesel technology, industrial maintenance, engineering, or a related technical field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant maintenance leadership experience will be considered.
• Sound working knowledge of maintenance cost-control programs, including labor, materials, and contractors.
• Diesel engine experience spanning Tier 0 through Tier 4F preferred.
• Experience maintaining or planning maintenance jobs for John Deere agricultural and construction equipment and CAT construction equipment preferred.
• Experience sustaining Operator Care Programs preferred.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Strong written communication, verbal communication, and math skills.
• Working knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (SAP) data input, retrieval, and use required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required.
• Mechanical and electrical background required; familiarity with agricultural equipment, including rolling stock such as tractors, harvesters, implements, vehicles, pump and power units, and conveyor systems, is preferred.
• Solid understanding of the proper use of work orders, priorities, schedules, and related maintenance processes.
• Ability to sketch and read blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Ability to work in a production environment, including overtime and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal customers, external vendors, and customers.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed inside an office on a regular basis.
• Outdoor working conditions may include rain, heat, humidity, dust, and other weather-related conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Travel between areas may be required.
• Duties are also performed outside in an agricultural environment.
• The employee may be required to drive a vehicle for extended periods.
• The employee may be required to work outside when assisting and supporting farm functions related to the position.
• Extended hours may be required during peak planting and harvest seasons.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
• The employee is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or move objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk, hear, and see.
• Specific vision abilities required include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to freely access all areas of the farm, including farm offices, tractor sheds, and various farm equipment areas.
• Ability to move or handle items throughout the farm generally weighing between 0 and 65 pounds, including the ability to lift and carry up to 65 pounds.
• Ability to work varied hours and days to oversee multiple operations.

The above statements are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to perform the job. Rather, they are intended to describe the general nature of the position and a reasonable representation of its activities.