Temp Casual Farm Laborer

Temp Casual Farm Laborer

Offer Range: $22.44 per hour

This is a temporary/casual position that performs a variety of manual farm labor tasks from detailed instructions that are tailored to farm operations including but not limited to driving tractors used for tillage and seeding as well as the harvest and transport of forage, grain, straw, and manure applications. Additional responsibilities may also include light maintenance on equipment and facilities as well as tasks such as snow blowing and general livestock care.

• Forage production
  -Operate hay mowing equipment, rakes, choppers, round and square balers, baggers, and forage wagons and trucks. Record weights, moistures, and notables. Make equipment adjustments as needed to optimize production. Bag and-/- or shape and pack silage.
• Fertilizer / Manure Application - Apply dry and liquid fertilizers as well as dry and liquid manure using a tractor and spreader.
• Tillage
  -Perform tillage recognizing proper conditions for tillage - assess effectiveness of and make adjustments to implement as needed
• Grain Handling and Harvest-Haul harvested grain and record weights of loads, moisture, and other notables. Transfer grain to the feed Center, bins, or load out to trucks. Potentially operate a combine based on experience and training.
• Planting - Use grain drills and other agricultural seeders and planters.

• Performs general maintenance (carpentry, plumbing, etc.) repair to facilities and grounds to include but not limited to: barns, sheds, fencing, tree trimming, mowing, irrigation line, tile line, seeding and mowing pastures and grounds, etc.
• Performs light maintenance and repairs on equipment in-field (when necessary) and within the shop. Operates snow blowers, front end loaders, and other snow removing equipment.

• Manure loading, sampling, hauling, and application (weekly and seasonally),
• Work in the feed center to make and-/- or deliver blended diets to hogs and dairy cattle,
• Assist with general care of animals which may include swine or dairy animals.

• Record tasks and activities in multiple formats including electronic databases

• High school diploma/GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience in row crop farming within the past 5 years.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency within the last 5 years in calibrating, adjusting, operating, recognizing potential equipment problems and performing maintenance on various agricultural equipment specifically including farm tractor operation.
• Must be able to work in indoor, outdoor, and animal environments (noise, dust, and odors) with occasional overtime.
• Must be able to walk or stand for the majority of a day; bend, kneel; and carry, lift, push and pull at minimum 50 lbs.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to work in teams and work collaboratively

• Have demonstrated proficiency within the last 5 years in calibrating, adjusting, operating, recognizing potential equipment problems and performing maintenance on larger agricultural equipment such as 6-row or larger planters, spray rigs, and combines
• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is desired.
• Knowledge and experience in livestock care and handling.
• Appreciation for research activities and patience to work in research settings.

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay Range: $22.14 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative,…