Agricultural Equipment Operator I or Agricultural Equipment Operator II

University of Wisconsin Madison•Arlington, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sanford Lab in the Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences at UW–Madison is seeking an Agricultural Equipment Operator I/II to support a dynamic field research program focused on cropping system ecology, soil health, and diversified agricultural systems. The successful candidate will work as an integral member of a collaborative research team managing a diverse portfolio of long-term and contemporary field experiments at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station. The position is responsible for the day-to-day agronomic management of research plots, including field preparation and tillage, planting and seeding, cultivation, fertilizer and manure application, pesticide applications, and crop harvesting. The position will also coordinate field operations with research sampling and experimental protocols to ensure that treatments and data collection are implemented accurately and on schedule. In addition to field operations, the position will operate, maintain, and perform routine mechanical work on tractors, combines, wagons, planting and tillage equipment, trailers, and other agricultural machinery. The position will also oversee the Agroecosystems Field Laboratory and maintain equipment used for processing and handling soil, plant, and biomass samples. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys working outdoors, operating and maintaining agricultural equipment, and contributing to innovative agricultural research. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with faculty, graduate students, research staff, and collaborators while playing a critical role in the successful operation of a diverse and highly productive field research program. This is a full-time, 100%, ongoing/renewable position.

Requirements

Experience with safe and proper operation of trucks, trailers, utility vehicles, tractors and machinery, and all types of farm vehicles, including tillage, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, harvesting, manure handling, feed handling equipment, end loaders, and forklifts
Experience with agricultural equipment maintenance and repair, including the ability to identify malfunctions
Experience or related experience with field crop methodology
Experience with the safe and correct calibration and application of pesticides, including ability to mix and load pesticides, accurately document work, and coordinate time-sensitive work
Experience with livestock
Ability to lift 50 lbs as part of routine agricultural management is required.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain within six months or prior to passing probation, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), maintain a motor vehicle record that meets UW Risk Management standards, and maintain the ability to drive State of Wisconsin-owned vehicles.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain within six months or prior to passing probation, a certified pesticide applicators license.

Nice To Haves

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Certified pesticide applicator license
Organic and conventional agriculture experience

Responsibilities

Applies pesticides in accordance with best practices and established rules, policies, and regulations (AEO II)
Operates, cleans, and repairs basic agricultural machines and equipment to ensure safety and operable functionality and to adhere to established rules, policies, and regulations
Maintains organization of designated facilities and associated supplies, notifies appropriate entities of damaged materials or the need for supply replenishment
Stages equipment and machines in preparation of agricultural activities
Documents completion of duties according to established policies and procedures