University of Wisconsin – River Falls Looking for Agricultural Equipment Operator II Full Time

FTE: 100

Position Summary:
The Agricultural Equipment Operator II is primarily
responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of basic and complex UWRF Laboratory Farm equipment.
The individual directly reports to the Laboratory Farm Director and performs under general supervision. This is a full-time position at the
UW-River Falls Mann Valley Farm with close interaction with faculty, staff, students, student workers, private companies, and the public.
The person in this position works closely with the Farm Director regarding the daily operation of farm equipment in the areas of operation,
maintenance, repair and crop production. The position also works closely with Crop and Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering faculty in
precision agriculture laboratory classes, research projects, as well as agronomy research with Winfield Solutions located at the Mann Valley
Farm. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and mentoring skills are necessary as this person will be working with, directing, and
demonstrating proper machinery operation, maintenance, and repair to farm staff, faculty, students, and student
employees.

Attention to detail is critical. Self-starting, independent working skills combined with flexible work hours
on weekdays and weekends, when necessary, are a must in this position as it is highly weather influenced. A positive, cooperative attitude
toward farm staff, faculty, students, and the public is essential. The Mann Valley and Campus Farms are laboratory teaching farms where
“hands-on” experience is the mode of operation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required:

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of safe, proper, operation of basic and complex
  types of farm equipment and implements related to a crop and livestock, laboratory and teaching, farm with multiple research
  components
• Demonstrated ability to effectively maintain and repair basic and complex farm machinery
• Ability to safely ,and
  effectively, operate hand and power tools, volt/ohm meter, gas, wire feed and arc welding
• Awareness of farm safety protocols (i.e.,
  equipment operation, electrical, confined space, livestock, etc.)
• Ability to prepare machine operation with timeliness and
  efficiency in crop harvest quality in relation to weather
• Familiarity of agronomic field crop methods and their relation to
  efficient livestock production
• Ability to prepare machinery laboratory class setup in Ag Engineering lab/MSC or in the field
• Possess or have the ability to obtain a pesticide basic applicator
  license
• Proficiency in computer software applications documenting operation of crop and machinery maintenance and
  repair
• Demonstrated knowledge of GPS applications
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, and
  evaluative abilities, self-starting and independent working skills as well as an effective team member
• Awareness of environmental
  and farm maintenance best practices
• Excellent communication (verbal & written), interpersonal and listening skills
• Ability
  to be flexible and cooperate with farm staff regarding work and work schedules in a highly weather influenced work environment related to
  crop and animal production
• Ability to provide subject matter expertise and guidance to a broad array of staff, faculty, students,
  and public entities
• Physical ability to lift 50lbs and climb heights of 70ft and successfully pass a pre-employment
  screen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license which would permit Wisconsin certification to drive University work
  vehicles.

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering or a related
  field
• Familiarity with basic research methodology related to Agricultural Engineering and Crop and Soil Science
  projects
• Effective supervisory and management skills

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Materials not submitted through https://jobs.uwrf.edu/
cannot be considered.

Submit:
* Resume;

* Cover letter addressing how your
education and experience relate to the responsibilities and knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in the job
posting.

* Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references who can specifically comment on
your ability, experience, and professional preparation.

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Greg Zwald, Farm
Director

Laboratory Farms
[email protected]

Deadline to Apply:
January 10, 2023

A criminal background check will be completed on final candidates. It will
also require you and your most recent employer to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. The selected candidate
must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid driver’s license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University
vehicles. A six-month probationary period is required. The salary range is $19.00-$24.00 per hour commensurate with experience and skill
level.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision
benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.75%; 212 hours of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick
leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf.
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally
authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have
questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-3221.

We are committed to creating an educational community which enhances student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnicities and cultures and which actively supports tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each person without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse ethnic and cultural heritages are especially sought in applicants.

UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran status, and membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or the State of Wisconsin. All persons, especially women, persons of color, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

For a copy of UW-River Falls campus safety information see http://www.uwrf.edu/Police/CampusRecordsCrimes.cfm or call Public Safety at (715) 425-3133 for a paper copy. This material includes crime statistics (Annual Security Report) and information on crime prevention, sexual assault and drug/alcohol issues.