1. Adheres to safety, health, environmental, and occupational regulations (such as those set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA)
2. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing equipment repairs and maintenance
3. Locates emergency supplies and equipment and checks to ensure proper working order, such as fire extinguishers, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and first aid supplies
4. Handles and properly disposes of all chemical and other bioproducts in accordance with MSDS guidelines
5. Locates, interprets, and properly stores documentation of equipment operation and maintenance
6. Ensures power sources are managed properly before, during, and after repairs and maintenance
7. Performs lockout–tagout safety procedures before any maintenance or service work is performed
8. Maintains a clean, orderly, foreign object damage (FOD)-free workspace

1. Monitors equipment operations and verifies performance meets proper functioning requirements
2. Performs planned and unscheduled equipment maintenance procedures in accordance with the company-approved maintenance plan
3. Refers to service manuals or online databases to identify the mechanical specifications and standards for each piece of equipment
4. Services vehicles to manufacturer specifications
5. Performs equipment operations, including startup, emergency, normal shutdown, and manual functions to effectively and safely meet production and maintenance requirements
6. Cleans and lubricates parts to maintain them in good working order
7. Flushes all systems using appropriate protocols before maintenance procedures and ensures fluids are at proper levels after the completion of maintenance
8. Changes oil and tests battery, following manufacturers’ suggested timeline
9. Inspects brake, steering, wheel, and other systems to ensure they are in proper working condition
10. Communicates telematics diagnostics and data to equipment manufacturer

1. Confers with customers or users to assess the equipment’s problem
2. Inspects mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or depreciation
3. Tests mechanical equipment, including test driving, to ensure proper functioning while adhering to all safety procedures
4. Attaches test instruments properly to equipment for testing
5. Examines equipment and reads inspection reports to locate and diagnose malfunctions
6. Writes work orders or descriptions of equipment problems to outline repairs or modifications needed
7. Develops a repair strategy based on shop and industry best practices and service manual

1. Uses Controller Area Network (CAN) bus technology to perform diagnostic tests on electrical wiring components
2. Tests analog, digital, and electronic components including wiring, using test meters
3. Researches a diagnosed problem to identify appropriate parts for use and mechanical specs to be met
4. Replaces worn or damaged electrical components and wiring using hand tools and soldering equipment
5. Repairs ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels
6. Reassembles machines and equipment following repair, tests machine operation, and adjusts machine and equipment as necessary to ensure optimal performance
7. Troubleshoots Artificial Intelligence (AI) components of equipment

1. Tunes engine to ensure proper functioning in accordance with the suggested timeline by the manufacturer
2. Dismantles defective machines for repair, utilizing proper tools
3. Repairs or replaces defective engines or engine components
4. Uses appropriate tools and measurement techniques to determine that components or assemblies are within factory specifications.
5. Troubleshoots fuel injection system
6. Reassembles engine components following repair using proper torque specifications; tests operation and adjusts the engine as necessary to ensure optimal performance

1. Flushes hydraulic system using appropriate protocol for disposing of fluids and refills fluids to manufacturer specifications
2. Repairs and replaces hydraulic system components in accordance with schematics
3. Ensures correct harness and hose routing and securement
4. Reassembles hydraulic system components following repairs, test operation, and adjusts as necessary to ensure optimal performance

1. Troubleshoots and runs diagnostics on HVAC systems
2. Follows industry standards, such as those set by OSHA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems
3. Assembles and installs pipe systems, gauges, and related equipment within HVAC systems
4. Interprets technical information such as temperature and pressure data, diagrams, and schematics to ensure proper functioning
5. Reassembles HVAC system components following repairs, tests the equipment’s operations, and adjusts it as necessary to ensure optimal performance

1. Disassemble powertrain systems for repair and maintenance
2. Reconditions powertrain system by cleaning and lubricating equipment for optimal performance, including pistons, bearings, gears, and valves
3. Replaces damaged or worn parts to meet manufacturers’ specifications and suggested maintenance timelines
4. Reassembles machines and equipment after repair of powertrain systems, tests its operation, and makes adjustments as needed
5. Performs thorough inspections and measurements that ensure the repairs meet factory specifications

1. Moves large objects using heavy equipment
2. Drives trucks, cranes, or forklifts to haul tools and equipment for onsite repairs of large machinery
3. Uses hoists to lift or position large machinery for repair
4. Secures heavy equipment for transportation and repair using proper mechanisms (i.e., capacity load chains and blocks
5. Regularly inspects transportation machinery for safety and proper operation
6. Maintains proper certifications for the use of transportation equipment

1. Uses a computer to track repair and maintenance by recording repairs made and parts used
2. Uses equipment manual specifications to identify and order the correct part to be delivered for repairs
3. Records, tracks, and monitors personal labor hours
4. Provides a complete work order to the appropriate department in a timely manner for recording and processing

1. Demonstrates professionalism and confident communication etiquette when interacting with colleagues and customers, including responding in a timely manner and providing accurate and complete information
2. Speaks with colleagues and customers to provide a complete and accurate explanation of repairs needed
3. Effectively manages time on tasks, monitoring, and tracking deadlines
4. Complies with and demonstrates an understanding of company policies about diversity, equity, and inclusion
5. Identifies challenges and develops solutions for addressing them independently and with assistance from supervisors, as needed
6. Leverages principles of effective communication to work within a team environment and between departments

Sample learning objectives Explain the role of agriscience in food production and resource conservation. Explain the function and importance of the agricultural commodities market and discuss what types of commodities form the basis of the US agricultural system and the impact of the commodities market on food prices. Discuss the types of occupations critical to agriculture science and production and the pathways individuals take to those occupations. Demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate records and share information accurately, concisely, and appropriately with others in the agriculture and agriscience industries. Explain the main safety concerns that individuals in the agriculture field, as well as those who work with mechanical equipment, must address, as well as the ways that individuals can protect themselves against those safety risks. List the types of matter found in soil and the proportions in which each is found in various types of soil. Describe the ways in which soil is evaluated for its suitability to support agricultural production and effective strategies for preventing soil erosion. Describe the water cycle, natural and human factors that impact the cycle, and the properties of water that make it suitable for human consumption and agricultural and industrial use. Discuss the sources and impact of water pollution as well as strategies for reducing water pollution. Discuss ways in which farms access, store and utilize water, as well as challenges farms face when there is too much or too little water available. Describe the importance of ecosystems and provide examples of ecosystems that are relevant to agricultural production. Describe the basic structure of plants and the way in which agricultural production accounts for optimal growing and harvesting conditions. Discuss the mechanical equipment used to grow, harvest, and process plant products. Explain how plants carry out photosynthesis to produce oxygen and energy. List the types of animals used in agricultural practice, the key factors that farmers must consider when raising and caring for these animals, and the types of equipment used in animal agriculture. Explain the types of energy sources used in agricultural production, the way that energy is created or obtained, and the use of agricultural commodities in producing alternative energy sources. Discuss how Global Positioning System (GPS) technology works and how it is used to improve agricultural production and environmental protection. Outline the types of equipment used in agricultural production and processing and the basic technologies involved in manufacturing and the use and repair of these equipment.

Sample learning objectives Identify and demonstrate the ability to utilize basic hand tools, such as a dial caliper, a dial indicator, a torque wrench, and a combination square. Use a micrometer to make a precise measurement. Demonstrate the ability to use lifting equipment properly and safely. Identify bolt size, type, and grade. Discuss the types of agricultural equipment used by various industries based on local crops and geographic location. Demonstrate the ability to document plans and processes when servicing agricultural equipment. Explain how power take-off (PTO) systems work and how they transfer power to agricultural implements. Explain how belts, chains, and gears are used in powertrain systems to deliver power to conduct work. Discuss how guarding and shielding are accomplished in agricultural equipment to prevent injury to the operator. Follow standard diagnostic procedures to inspect equipment problems, make repairs, and verify operation following repair. Explain the role of agricultural equipment dealers in selling and maintaining agricultural equipment and the need for technicians and mechanics who work for or with these dealers to have strong communication skills. Demonstrate the ability to utilize written reports, such as work/repair orders, to communicate services provided to a customer. Conduct component failure analysis to analyze root cause failures. Demonstrate the ability to use service manuals to perform diagnostics and repairs on agricultural equipment, leading to a longer life in powertrain systems and reducing operation costs.

Sample learning objectives Explain how gears and sprockets establish and/or change a drivetrain’s direction and speed. Explain how clutches transfer torque from the power input to the output. Discuss using bearings to reduce friction and increase efficiency in powertrain systems. Demonstrate the ability to set and adjust gears to work effectively. Demonstrate effective use of precision measurement tools to set preload and endplay in a powertrain system. Explain the role of differentials in maintaining equal torque at different speeds. Explain how final drives increase torque to the ground contact points. Explain using appropriate tires and tracks to provide traction in agricultural equipment when proper ground contact is applied.

Sample learning objectives Explain the use of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits in agricultural equipment. Test for voltage, resistance, and continuity in an electrical component using a digital multimeter. Construct series, parallel and series-parallel circuits. Discuss how diodes protect electrical equipment by allowing power to flow only in one direction. Explain how electrical systems use alternating and direct current. Explain how rheostats and potentiometers vary the resistance in an electrical circuit to control current and voltage. Demonstrate the ability to read schematics when designing, constructing, and troubleshooting electrical circuits. Explain how electrical systems control engine systems’ operation and function. Explain how agricultural equipment uses relays to control high amperage circuits that power specific components. Discuss how electrical systems use resistors, diodes, potentiometers, and relays to control equipment components. Demonstrate the ability to manage and troubleshoot controller systems used in precision agriculture. Define Ohm’s law and demonstrate the use of diagnostic tools and Ohm’s law to accomplish a systematic troubleshooting process. Describe the types of electrical systems used to control interactions between components and how technicians must maintain and troubleshoot those systems. Demonstrate the ability to properly use tools to troubleshoot and maintain GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment.

Sample learning objectives Discuss the importance of equipment calibration in increasing the efficiency of outputs and limiting overlaps and skips in a field. Discuss the way in which precision systems use wireless connections to satellites to find a geographic location. Describe the use of controller systems in precision agriculture, including guidance systems, yield monitors, sensors, and automated outputs. Explain how precision agriculture increases production efficiencies that reduce application costs while improving yields. Explain how agricultural producers use sensors and automated controls to increase production efficiencies. Discuss the ways in which GIS displays maps as vectors, features, and attributes collected by guidance and remote systems. Explain how data collected from specific locations can be used to determine information for the entire field. Discuss the ways in which variable-rate application systems reduce producer costs protecting the environment. Discuss how GIS data management and analysis is a key component of utilizing GPS technology. Describe the remote sensing devices used in agricultural production to collect data to support production decisions. Demonstrate the ability to use data for predicting future repairs and maintenance needs.

Sample learning objectives Use Pascal’s Law to find the needed pressure and cylinder size for equipment. List and discuss the function of hydraulic system components, including pumps, control valves, actuators, and reservoirs. Properly use schematics to identify fluid power components and systems. Explain how hydraulic systems can be closed- or open-loop using positive or nonpositive pumps. Explain how a technician can control a hydraulic system’s fluid flow and pressure. Discuss how Pascal’s Law determines the system pressure and components needed for a machine to operate. Calculate pressure drop in a hydraulic system. Explain how fluid ratings for hydraulic systems are based on industry specifications and are specific to the equipment. Explain the safety hazards associated with working on hydraulic equipment and preventative measures technicians must take to reduce risk. Explain how hydrostatic transmissions use variable displacement pumps to transfer energy in a power train. Describe the use of electro-hydraulic systems to control cylinders in agricultural implements. Identify hydraulic systems used in agricultural equipment for steering, braking, drivetrains, and auxiliary equipment. Use proper techniques for correctly sealing hydraulic components and keeping them free of air and contaminants preventing wear and damage. Select fluid conductors and fittings based on system pressure and design. Demonstrate the ability to repair a hydraulic system, including flushing a system and inspecting it for particulate matter.

Sample learning objectives Describe the functional differences between diesel and gasoline engines. Explain the intake and fuel systems in diesel engines. Describe the types of lubrication and liquid cooling systems used in diesel engine systems. Explain the function of and identify the components of diesel injection systems, including solenoids and lift pumps. Describe the types of exhaust after-treatment systems that are required to make modern diesel engines EPA-compliant. List and explain the functions of essential components in high-pressure common rail diesel fuel systems. Explain how diesel engines use a controller area network (CAN) bus systems with Electronic Control Units (ECU) to monitor and control the engine. Explain the way in which a CAN bus allows a system of microcontrollers to control agricultural equipment.

Sample learning objectives Discuss ways in which technicians work with producers to manage and troubleshoot equipment for optimum agricultural production. Perform periodic maintenance and service procedures to improve the long-term performance of engines. Explain how environmental factors such as weather, humidity, cleanliness, and dust can impact the effectiveness of electrical systems in agricultural power and equipment. Treat fasteners to prevent corrosion and lubricate joints to prevent depreciation. Select fasteners based on their torque ratings and grades. Maintain maintenance and repair logs. Create an accurate work order to describe the actions taken to maintain or repair equipment. Provide effective customer service, including explaining to customers the reasoning behind repairs performed and how the customer should maintain the equipment after repair. Explain the repair or replacement recommended to a customer.

Sample learning objectives Explain the fundamental operating principles of AC and heating systems. Describe the environmental regulations determining how AC systems must be built and repaired. Troubleshoot, diagnose, service, and repair AC systems. Explain how heating systems function. Service heating systems. Explain the purpose of pressurized cabs and service and repair pressurization systems.