Agricultural Equipment Operator I or Agricultural Equipment Operator II

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Job Category:

Employment Type:

Job Profile:

Job Summary:

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. Normal hours are 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required, particularly during peak planting and harvesting times.

This position is being posted at Agricultural Equipment Operator levels 1 and 2. Level and pay are commensurate with experience.

Additional Information:

• Criminal Background Check may be required
• Evaluation/Probationary Period may be required
• 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.
• Work Authorization:The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility   for employment in the United States by the start of the appointment.

Key Job 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

Department:

Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences

Compensation:

The minimum starting salary for an Agricultural Equipment Operator I is $19/hour, and $22/hour for an Agricultural Equipment Operator II. However, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.

Required Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

• Certified pesticide applicator license
• Organic and conventional agriculture experience
  
  

Education:

H.S. Diploma preferred minimum

How to Apply:

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials:

Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

Cover letter (required) – Refer to your related work experience

There is only one attachment field; please upload all application materials here. All listed application materials must be submitted for your application to be considered. Please submit only the materials specified; additional materials will not be reviewed.

Finalists will be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

It is important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Contact Information:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Human Resources Manager, Erin Cook at [email protected]

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), HR Generalist, Carla Boe at [email protected]

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 
 
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