Farm Equipment Operator

Farm Equipment Operator

6037 Position Description North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Position Title: Farm Equipment Operator Date: 12/31/2025 Reporting To: Research Supv 4 - AG Research Support U Classification: Farm Equipment Operator U Classification #: 6037, Teamsters Local 320 Offer Range: $23.46

Position Overview:

The Farm Equipment Operator position is a 9-month full-time appointment located in Grand Rapids, MN at The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) which is characterized by the diversity of our research activities. In addition to traditional crop and livestock research, scientists at the center study agricultural engineering, environmental issues, forestry, industrial by-product utilization, horticulture, and wild rice The Farm Equipment Operator 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 and repairs on machinery. The role also involves maintaining records for equipment maintenance and field operations. Working with modern equipment and precision agriculture technologies, the operator will assist in various fieldwork and machinery operations, supporting advanced farming & research practices and efficient operations.

Major Areas of Accountability:

Operate Farming Equipment - 65%

• Equipment Operation: Operate a wide range of farm equipment, including but not limited to tractors, tillage tools, planters, grain drills, fertilizer applicators, sprayers, harvesters, trucks, mowers, and forage equipment to perform various fieldwork tasks efficiently and safely.
• Precision Agriculture: Utilize modern agricultural technology such as GPS guidance systems, automated field documentation, auto-steering, and variable rate technologies (VRT) to improve the efficiency of field operations, ensuring accurate planting, fertilizing, spraying, and harvesting.
• Pesticide and Fertilizer Application: Read, understand, and follow pesticide and fertilizer labels to ensure safe and proper handling and application. Calibrate and adjust sprayers and applicators for accurate applications based on field conditions and crop needs.
• Field Mapping and Data Capturing/Analyzing: Work with in-cab and cloud-based monitoring and documentation systems and databases to create field maps and harvest records as well as cultural practice/labor documentation for work being performed. Analyze data from these systems to optimize field operations and make necessary adjustments in real-time to improve crop yields and efficiency.
• Sustainable Practices: Follow environmental and sustainability practices while operating equipment. Minimize soil compaction, avoid overspraying, and follow guidelines for nutrient management to ensure environmentally responsible farming practices.

Repair and Maintenance - 25%

• Routine Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on equipment, such as oil changes, lubrication, filter replacements, standard wear parts replacement, and tire checks to ensure all equipment is running smoothly and efficiently.
• Field and Shop Repairs: Conduct emergency and light-duty repairs in the field and/or in the shop, such as fixing broken belts, bearings, hoses, blades, rollers, or other mechanical failures, to minimize downtime and maintain productivity during peak farming seasons.
• Equipment Overhaul: Assist in more complex repairs and overhauls of major farm equipment such as combines, sprayers, tractors, and other heavy machinery. This may include diagnosing problems, replacing components, and ensuring proper functionality.
• Maintenance Records: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repairs performed on equipment, keeping track of hours, parts replaced, and service schedules to ensure that all equipment is properly serviced and ready for use when needed.
• Preventative Measures: Identify potential issues with machinery before they lead to breakdowns by regularly inspecting equipment and implementing preventative measures.

Other Duties - 10%

• Snow Removal and Winter Maintenance: During the winter season, operate snow-plows and front-end loaders to clear roads, driveways, and other areas on the farm, ensuring safe access to the farm and surrounding facilities.
• General Farm Maintenance: Perform a variety of tasks to maintain the farm infrastructure, including repairing barns, sheds, fencing, and other facilities.
• Landscape Maintenance: Assist with landscaping and groundskeeping tasks, such as mowing grass, trimming trees, maintaining irrigation lines, and ensuring that pastures and other fields are properly cared for.
• Assist with Research Plot Management: Work closely with the plant science research team to manage experimental sites. This includes assisting with planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, and maintaining research plots. Ensure proper calibration of equipment for precise research data collection.
• Crop and Livestock Support: Assist with seasonal tasks related to both crop production and livestock care, including feeding livestock, herding and/or hauling animals, assisting with manure management and handling, and supporting seasonal feedstock tasks.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Farm Equipment Experience: At least one to two years of experience operating power-driven farm equipment in a farming operation.
• Electronic Guiding Systems: Knowledge of or the ability to learn to operate electronic guiding systems used in modern farm equipment, including GPS and auto-steering systems.
• Pesticide Applicator License: Must have or the ability to obtain a Non-commercial pesticide applicator license within six (6) months of hire.
• Physical Ability: Ability to walk or stand for most of the day; able to climb grain tanks, bend, lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs or more.
• Shift Work Flexibility: Ability to work rotating shifts and extended hours as required, particularly during the spring and fall season.
• Effective Communication & Teamwork: Evidence of effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration with staff, project investigators, and team members. Ability to share information and work efficiently in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Attention to Detail & Team Participation: Evidence of being observant, detail-oriented, and an active participant in a team atmosphere.
• Adaptability to Environmental Conditions: Must be able to perform essential job functions under normal working conditions that include working outside with exposure to weather conditions common to the region, as well as allergens and irritants such as pollen, fungal spores, and pesticides in field and greenhouse environments.
• Experience with Precision Ag Tech: Prior experience with precision agriculture tools and technology, including GPS systems, auto-steering, and other digital farming tools, is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve equipment malfunctions or performance issues quickly and efficiently.
• Knowledge of Crop & Livestock Care: Familiarity with crop production systems and livestock care, including tasks such as manure management, feeding, and animal health monitoring.
• Research & Data Collection Skills: Experience assisting with research activities or experimental plots, including proper data collection and equipment calibration to support field studies.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class A CDL.

The position is located at the North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, MN. NCROC is committed to conducting broad-based research and education programs relevant to the diverse cultural and environmental landscape of north central Minnesota.

Pay Range: $23.46 per hour, 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)

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