Agricultural Equipment Operator or Agricultural Equipment Operator II

Current Employees:
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University Staff

Regular

Agricultural Equipment Operator I

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.

• 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.

• 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 of Soil and Environmental Sciences

The…