Dean van Schalkwyk
Wahpeton,ND
Summary
Adaptable farm worker with strong problem-solving skills and a practical background in farm machinery operation. Experience includes rock picking, plowing, grain storage, and workshop maintenance. Dedicated to supporting smooth, productive farm operations. Skilled agricultural worker with hands-on experience in grain handling, tractor operation, and equipment maintenance. Known for problem solving, field maintenance, and keeping farm operations running safely and efficiently. Ive had over a decade of experience in the mechanical field and auto electrical field and will be an asset in a workshop environment.
Overview
2
2
Languages
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Agricultural Worker
Meyer Farms
Wahpeton, North Dakota
04.2025 - Current
- Transported produce from field to storage using semi vehicles to ensure timely processing.
- Managed loading, transporting, and storage of harvested grain in farm facilities to maintain quality and readiness.
- Assisted with grain handling, bin checks, and storage management.
- Ran the grain dryer for corn and wheat.
- Operated tractors for rock picking, disc ripping, and chisel plow work, enhancing soil preparation efficiency.
- Cleaned machinery and prepared equipment for daily field work.
- Cleaned tools, equipment, and work areas to support Meyer Farms operations.
- Completed general farm upkeep, including mowing grass and repairing fences.
- Performed maintenance on workshop equipment to ensure optimal functionality. on all equipment such as, beet lifter, diggers, rippers, chisels, semi trucks, tractors.
- Loaded bins with tractor augers.
Owner/Mechanic
Self Employed
Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa
01.2025 - 03.2026
- Managed self-employed business operations, client relations, and daily service delivery.
- Developed service offerings, pricing plans, and business policies for independent work.
- Marketed self-employed services through referrals, outreach, and online channels.
- Coordinated client schedules, bookings, and project timelines for personal business.
- Prepared invoices, tracked expenses, and maintained business financial records.
- Monitored quality standards, resolved issues, and handled customer concerns.
- Planned business goals, reviewed performance, and adjusted self-employed operations.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
- Continued my journey as a Mechanic and Auto Electrician.
Fitter Turner
Turnmill Engineering Pty ltd
Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Measured tolerances using micrometers, verniers, and gauges
- Repaired worn machine parts in industrial maintenance work
- Assembled shafts, bushes, and bearings to specification
- Inspected finished components for quality and dimensional accuracy
- Maintained safe workshop practices and clean work areas
- Fabricated custom components from raw materials using cutting tools such as saws, drills and mills.
- Drilled and tapped holes for installation of studs.
- Threaded and installed pipe using pipe wrench and dies.
- Fabricated steel components for welding fabrication shop projects.
- Inspected welds for quality, fit, and alignment.
- Measured parts with hand tools and marking equipment.
- Fabricated metal components using welding techniques such as MIG, TIG and Oxy-Acetylene welding.
- Operated forklifts, cranes, hoists and other material handling equipment to move materials around shop floor.
- Cut materials with plasma cutters, oxy-acetylene torches or mechanical shears according to specifications.
- Repaired broken or cracked parts by welding them back together.
Auto Electrician
AVS Auto Electrical
Vereeniging, Gauteng Province, South Africa
08.2010 - 07.2013
- Diagnosed electrical faults in vehicles using multimeters and scan tools
- Repaired wiring harnesses, connectors, and damaged circuits
- Installed batteries, alternators, starters, and lighting systems
- Tested charging and starting systems for proper operation
- Read wiring diagrams to trace faults and confirm repairs
- Diagnosed and troubleshot complex automotive electrical issues using diagnostic computers.
- Inspected engines, brakes, and suspension systems for safety concerns.
- Diagnosed mechanical faults using hand tools and diagnostic equipment.
- Repaired worn parts on vehicles and industrial machinery.
- Replaced belts, hoses, filters, and fluid systems.
- Performed routine maintenance following shop schedules and procedures.
- Repaired or replaced worn parts such as brake pads and wheel bearings using hand tools and power tools.
- Inspected, serviced, and repaired brakes, exhaust systems, transmissions, engines, suspension systems, drive trains, fuel systems and other vehicle components as required.
- Performed preventive maintenance services such as oil changes and tune-ups on cars and trucks.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems on a wide variety of vehicles using specialized tools and equipment.
Education
High School Diploma -
High School Overvaal
South Africa12-2009
Skills
- Grain management
- Grain storage management
- Grain drying
- Bin management
- Farm machinery operation
- Tractor operation
- Equipment maintenance
- Farm equipment inspection
- Field maintenance
- Workshop maintenance
- Vehicle operation
- Problem solving
- Engine diagnostics
- Brake inspection
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance
- Parts replacement
- Filter replacements
- Problem diagnosis
- Electrical system rewiring
- Fluid exchanges
- Metal fabrication
- Blueprint reading
- MIG welding
- Oxy acetylene welding
- Weld tacking
- Torch cutting
Languages
English
Professional
Afrikaans
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Agricultural Worker
Meyer Farms
04.2025 - Current
Owner/Mechanic
Self Employed
01.2025 - 03.2026
Fitter Turner
Turnmill Engineering Pty ltd
07.2024 - 12.2024
Auto Electrician
AVS Auto Electrical
08.2010 - 07.2013
High School Diploma -
High School Overvaal