Farm Equipment Operator

About the Job
The position is located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris, MN. The WCROC conducts applied research in the areas of crop production, dairy production, horticulture, water quality, renewable energy, and swine production. The WCROC is part of the U of MN's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.
This is full-time seasonal (9 Month) position as a Farm Equipment Operator at the WCROC, Morris, MN.

Responsibilities:
1. Crop Agriculture - 55%

Planting: Use row crop planters, grain drills and other agricultural seeders. Adjust for 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.

Spraying: Calculate and apply the correct amount of chemical needed per batch based on rate to be applied per acre and adjust sprayer. Scout fields to identify insect and weed types and pressure areas and scheduling spray applications based on planting dates and weed maturity.

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.

Fertilizer Application: Apply dry and liquid fertilizers as well as dry and liquid manure.

Harvest: Adjust and operate combine 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.

2. Facility and Equipment Maintenance - 20%

Performs general maintenance (carpentry, plumbing, etc.) repair 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.

3. Animal Agriculture - 20%

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

4. Projects as Assigned - 5%

This may include but is not limited to participation in the set-up and presentation of material to the public.

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: Tractors, Loaders, 6-row or larger planters, Manure and fertilizer spreaders, Balers and other forage harvesters, Grain drills, Spray rigs, Combines and various tillage 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 (should include Case A.F.S., Ag Leader, John Deere, Precision Planting 20/20 seed and yield sense, raven controllers or equivalent current products).
Experience and understanding of using computer hardware and software for record keeping, such as Excel and Word. 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.

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 dairy and renewable energy.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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)

Financial counseling services

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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 cover letter and 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-UOHR (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:

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Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:

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.