National Polo Center- Seasonal Mechanic

National Polo Center - Polo Operations

SEASONAL MECHANIC

Job Title: Seasonal Mechanic 

Reports to: Fields and Grounds Superintendent

Job Summary:

The Seasonal Mechanic is responsible for the maintenance, repair, setup, and overall management of the National Polo Center's turf equipment fleet, including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, and specialty equipment supporting Polo Operations and Hospitality. This position ensures equipment remains safe, reliable, and operational while maintaining exceptional mower performance and quality of cut.

The Seasonal Mechanic leads and develops the Assistant Equipment Manager, oversees preventive maintenance, shop operations and records. 

This position, located in Wellington, FL, is a seasonal position that begins in the fall and lasts through April.

POSITION DESCRIPTION INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: 

• Equipment Maintenance & Repair: Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain turf equipment, tractors, utility vehicles, engines, hydraulic and electrical systems, and specialty equipment.
• Reel Grinding & Quality of Cut: Perform reel and bedknife grinding, bedknife replacement, reel-to-bedknife adjustment, height-of-cut setup, cutting-unit inspection, and mower adjustments necessary to maintain consistent, high-quality playing surfaces.
• Preventive Maintenance: Develop, schedule, manage, and perform a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for the equipment fleet.
• Leadership & Development: Lead and train the Assistant Equipment Manager in diagnostics, repair, reel grinding, mower setup, fabrication, and preventive maintenance.
• Field Quality Checks: Routinely inspect mowing equipment in field conditions to evaluate quality of cut, cutting-unit setup, and equipment performance.
• Shop, Parts & Inventory: Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop and appropriate inventories of parts, filters, fluids, bedknives, reels, hardware, tools, and supplies.
• Fabrication & Welding: Perform welding, machining, cutting, and general fabrication necessary for equipment repairs, modifications, and operational projects.
• Scheduling & Records: Establish maintenance schedules and maintain accurate records of equipment hours, repairs, preventive maintenance, parts usage, and costs.
• Safety & Environmental Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, and organizational requirements, including proper handling and disposal of oils, fluids, batteries, tires, and other regulated materials.

Skills/Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic and electrical systems, and turf equipment diagnostics and repair.
• Proficiency in reel and bedknife grinding, reel-to-bedknife adjustment, cutting-unit setup, and quality-of-cut diagnostics.
• Thorough understanding of reel mower operation and the relationship between equipment setup and turf quality.
• Welding and general fabrication skills.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, record-keeping, and inventory-management skills.
• Ability to lead, train, and develop an Assistant Equipment Manager.
• Working knowledge of shop safety and applicable environmental requirements.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and prioritize changing operational needs.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and committed to maintaining high standards.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Degree, certificate, or formal training in Turfgrass Equipment Management, Diesel/Automotive Technology, Small Engine Repair, or related field preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of turf equipment maintenance, equipment management, or comparable mechanical experience preferred.
• Golf course, sports turf, polo, or similar high-quality turf equipment experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated reel grinding and precision mower setup experience strongly preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.

Physical Requirements: 

• The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.
• The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and pull to lift self on to equipment.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 50 pounds.

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.