Farm Equipment Operator

Farm Equipment Operator

The Farm Equipment Operator is a 12-month full-time appointment that reports directly to the WCROC farm manager. This individual is responsible for operating, adjusting, and maintaining a wide variety of farm equipment, loaders, trailers, mowers, and snow removal equipment. Key duties include equipment setup, calibration, and performing general maintenance/repairs on related machinery and facilities. Working with modern equipment and precision agriculture technologies, the operator will assist in various fieldwork and machinery operations supporting advanced farming practices with efficient operations in the cropping and animal program areas.

Position Overview / Responsibilities:
Crop Agriculture - 55%

• Planting - Use row crop planters, grain drills and other agricultural seeders. Adjust for proper seed placement depth and spacing based on crop type and environmental conditions. Work with in-cab and cloud based monitoring systems to create field maps. Analyze the planter performance for optimization and make adjustments as needed.
• Grain Handling -Climb vertical ladders up to 100 feet high for grain leg and bin maintenance. Haul harvested grain and record weights of loads, moistures, and other notables. Make adjustments to the grain drying system during fall harvest based on incoming grain conditions to achieve a uniform final product. Transfer grain to the feed Center or loadout to trucks.
• Pesticide and Fertilizer Application -Calculate and apply the correct amount of chemicals needed per batch based on rate to be applied per acre and adjust sprayer. Scout fields to identify pressure areas of insect, disease, and weed types and schedule spray applications accordingly to maximize impact and control. Calculate and apply the correct amount of dry and liquid fertilizers as well as dry and liquid manure.
• Forage production -Operate hay mowing equipment, rakes, choppers, round and square balers, baggers, and forage wagons and trucks. Record weights, moistures, and notables. Make equipment adjustments as needed to optimize production.
• Harvest - Adjust and operate harvesting equipment to harvest specific crop types and make secondary adjustments during harvest to maximize threshed grain and minimize kernel damage. Work with in-cab and cloud based monitoring systems to create harvest maps.
• Tillage -Recognize proper conditions for tillage, conduct tillage, assess effectiveness of and make adjustments to implement as needed.
• Technology - Use current monitoring and record keeping systems (hardware and software) for planting, spraying, fertilizing, and harvesting.
• Assist with tours and other events.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance - 25%

• Perform general maintenance and repairs to facilities and grounds to include but not limited to: barns, sheds, fencing, tree trimming, mowing, irrigation line, tile line, seeding and mowing pastures, etc. Performs maintenance and repairs on equipment in-field (when necessary) and within the shop. Operates snow blowers, front end loaders, and other snow removing equipment.

Animal Agriculture - 20%

• Manure management (weekly and seasonally),
• Work in the feed center to make and deliver blended diets to hogs and dairy cattle
• Care of animals may include swine or dairy animals.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience in row crop farming within the past 5 years.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency within the last 5 years in calibrating, adjusting, operating, recognizing potential equipment problems and performing maintenance on various farm equipment.
• Position requires a non-commercial pesticide applicators license, or the ability to obtain a non-commercial pesticide applicators license within 2 months of hire.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work. Work in indoor, outdoor, and animal environments (noise, dust, and odors).
• Must be able to walk or stand for the majority of a day; bend, kneel; and carry, lift, push and pull at minimum 50 lbs.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain a CDL within 2 months of hire is required.
• Ability to work in teams and work collaboratively across programs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience and understanding of the operation and troubleshooting of standard precision agriculture technology (hardware and software) marketed by major equipment manufacturers.
• Experience and understanding of using computer hardware and software for record keeping, such as Excel,Word, and Google Suites. This includes using tablet devices or portable computers for real-time input of accurate records of all field activities including date, time, location and conditions for planting, tillage, spraying and harvest into cloud and/or LAN systems.
• Experience gathering and preparing soil, manure, forage, plant, and grain samples for analysis.
• Knowledge and experience in livestock care and handling.
• Appreciation for research activities and patience to work in research settings.

WEST CENTRAL RESEARCH AND OUTREACH CENTER
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay Range: $22.41 per hour (step 1) depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).