Farm Equipment Operator

Farm Equipment Operator

Job Code: Farm Equipment Operator (6037)
Pay Range: $23.46 (Probationary Step)
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 9 Month Appointment- anticipated work hiatus each year of up to three months.
Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (Teamsters Local 320)

In person work environment

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program

Overview:

This position is located at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus. This 180-acre site is uniquely situated in a major metropolitan area for conducting outdoor field research. The fields provide a critical extension of classrooms and laboratories for research and teaching. The Ag Services Department is responsible for managing this resource. This position plays a critical role in the research performed at the station and is expected to adhere to University of Minnesota policies on safety and conduct. https://maes.umn.edu/st-paul

Responsibilities:
Field Duties 50%

• Field work for research and demonstration purposes
• Assist researchers in plot layout.
• Operates all types of tillage equipment such as discs, harrows, field cultivators, moldboard plow, and deep tillage equipment according to the needs of the specific researcher.
• Calibrate, adjust, set up, maintain, and operate specialized field implements; corn planter, grain drills, seeders and fertilizer spreaders.
• Operates combines, which includes changing heads and maintaining the combine for efficient threshing and cleaning of grain.
• Operates field, stalk shredders, forage choppers, and silage choppers, which includes adjusting equipment for efficient, safe, and consistent operation.
• Calibrates, adjusts, and operates sprayers, which includes mixing chemicals according to the needs of the researcher.
• Set up and irrigate plots.

Farm Duties 20%

• Operates front end loaders and skid steer with pallet forks for unloading supplies, also for manure and snow removal.
• Pick up manure spreaders at the Animal Science and Vet. Medicine Animal facilities and deliver to the Animal Waste Treatment Facility. Operate facilities and load trucks with compost.
• Injects liquid animal waste and spreads solid animal waste on field plots
• Drive a one-ton pickup truck and fifth wheel grain and livestock trailers to transport agricultural products and flatbed trailers to transport farm implements and equipment.

Repair and Maintenance of Equipment 15%

• Make emergency field repairs to farm equipment.
• Assist auto mechanics in the overhaul, maintenance, and fabrication of all types of farm equipment.
• Clean, grease, inspect equipment for proper operation.

Misc Farm Tasks 15%

• Operates road graders, and mowers to maintain gravel and grass roadways.
• Maintenance of fence lines and gates, which includes the repair of broken wire and the replacement of wooden fence posts as needed.
• Trimming trees on property lines when necessary.
• Assist research projects and Minnesota Crop Improvement with planting and plant maintenance.
  

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and a minimum of 3 crop seasons of operating a variety of power-driven farm implements such as tractor, cultivator, disc ripper, and combine in a large-scale farming operation in row crop farming
• Ability to operate or learn common tractor electronic controls (monitors, delivery systems, navigation systems.)
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class A CDL within six months of the initial appointment of the position
• Position requires a pesticide applicator's license, or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire
• Must be able to work overtime, including occasional Saturdays or Sundays during peak growing seasons
• Must be able to carry, lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. or more

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of good communication skills, collaboration and teamwork.
• Experience with crop research activities desirable

Pay Range: $23.46 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment (9 month, expected 3 month hiatus)

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:

• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants: 3/30/26 - 4/6/2026.

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).