Farm Equipment Operator

About the Job

Position and/or Unit Overview:

A Farm Equipment Operator position is available immediately at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston, MN. The Farm Equipment Operator will assist the farm manager in all areas of fieldwork and farm machinery operations. Utilizing modern equipment and the latest precision ag technologies allows us to be on the leading edge of today’s advanced farming technology and practices.

The position is a 100% full-time 12-month continuing position with amazing University of Minnesota health care benefits, retirement and optional retirement plans are available, flexible spending account options and the benefit of working in a small department with great people. Medical and dental plans are subsidized by the University to keep costs lower for its employees.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

The ideal candidate will have the desire to learn and have effective communication skills. Having the ability to collaborate with others in a team environment is also important. Tasks change seasonally so adapting to change is key. Responsibilities are described below but are not limited to all the possible tasks assigned to this position.

Operate Farming Equipment (60%)

The position operates a variety of farm equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, tractors, tillage equipment, planters, grain drills, fertilizer applicators, sprayers, harvest equipment, trucks, and mowing equipment. The position will need to read and understand pesticide labels and the ability mix pesticides according to the label.

Repair and Maintenance 30%

Repair and maintenance of equipment to ensure efficiency of farm operations and worker safety. Keep maintenance records on all equipment. Make emergency field repairs to equipment. Assist in the overhaul of farm equipment.

Other Duties 10%

Operate snowplows, front-end loaders, and other snow-removal equipment at times outside regular hours of work. Performs general maintenance and repair of buildings including but not limited to sheds, fencing, and tree trimming. Assist research plot technicians with general plot management and experiment site maintenance activities that include, but are not restricted to tractor operations, mechanical equipment operations, fertilizer and pesticide handling, calibration, and use of equipment such as planters, sprayers, fertilizer applicators, and scales.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications: 

Note: for a person to be considered for the position, they must show through their work experience how they meet each essential qualification in their application

1. Requires one to two years of power-driven farm equipment experience in a large-scale farming operation.

2. Must have or the ability to obtain at minimum a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The successful candidate is encouraged to obtain the license within three (3) months; however,

the license must be obtained within six months of the initial appointment of the position.

3. Knowledge of or the ability to learn electronic guiding systems.

4. Must have or the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within six (6) months of hire.

5. Position requires the ability to walk or stand for most of the day, be able to climb grain tanks, climb 85’ up a grain leg, bend, climb; carry, lift, push and pull 50 lbs. or more.

6. Ability to work rotating shifts as required for sugar beet harvest.

7. Evidence of effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration with staff and project investigators.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Evidence of being observant, detail-oriented, and a willing participant in a team atmosphere. 

2. Must be able to perform essential functions under normal working conditions that include working outside with exposure to weather conditions common to Crookston, MN, and in the

presence of potential allergens and irritants including pollen, fungal spores, and pesticides in the field and greenhouse environments.

About the Department

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston is one of 10 University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers throughout Minnesota. Belonging to the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) on the St. Paul, MN Campus. The specific mission of the NWROC is to conduct applied agronomic research on issues important to NW Minnesota agriculture and extend results of that research through outreach/extension programs.

Benefits

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:

1. Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
2. Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
3. Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
4. Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
5. University HSA contributions
6. Disability and employer-paid life insurance
7. Employee wellbeing program
8. Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
9. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
10. Financial counseling services 
11. Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
12. Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

How To Apply

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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).

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