Farm Equipment Operator

Farm Equipment Operator

The Farm Equipment Operator is a 12-month full-time appointment that reports directly to the WCROC farm manager. This individual is responsible for operating, adjusting, and maintaining a wide variety of farm equipment, loaders, trailers, mowers, and snow removal equipment. Key duties include equipment setup, calibration, and performing general maintenance/repairs on related machinery and facilities. Working with modern equipment and precision agriculture technologies, the operator will assist in various fieldwork and machinery operations supporting advanced farming practices with efficient operations in the cropping and animal program areas.

• Planting – Use row crop planters, grain drills and other agricultural seeders. Adjust for proper seed placement depth and spacing based on crop type and environmental conditions. Work with in-cab and cloud based monitoring systems to create field maps. Analyze the planter performance for optimization and make adjustments as needed.
• Grain Handling – Climb vertical ladders up to 100 feet high for grain leg and bin maintenance. Haul harvested grain and record weights of loads, moistures, and other notables. Make adjustments to the grain drying system during fall harvest based on incoming grain conditions to achieve a uniform final product. Transfer grain to the feed Center or loadout to trucks.
• Pesticide and Fertilizer Application – Calculate and apply the correct amount of chemicals needed per batch based on rate to be applied per acre and adjust sprayer. Scout fields to identify pressure areas of insect, disease, and weed types and schedule spray applications accordingly to maximize impact and control. Calculate and apply the correct amount of dry and liquid fertilizers as well as dry and liquid manure.
• 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.
• Harvest – Adjust and operate harvesting equipment to harvest specific crop types and make secondary adjustments during harvest to maximize threshed grain and minimize kernel damage. Work with in-cab and cloud based monitoring systems to create harvest maps.
• Tillage – Recognize proper conditions for tillage, conduct tillage, assess effectiveness of and make adjustments to implement as needed.
• Technology – Use current monitoring and record keeping systems (hardware and software) for planting, spraying, fertilizing, and harvesting.
• Assist with tours and other events.

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

• Manure management (weekly and seasonally).
• Work in the feed center to make and deliver blended diets to hogs and dairy cattle.
• Care of animals may include swine or dairy animals.

• 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 farm equipment.
• Position requires a non-commercial pesticide applicators license, or the ability to obtain a non-commercial pesticide applicators license within 2 months of hire.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and shift work. Work in indoor, outdoor, and animal environments (noise, dust, and odors).
• 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.
• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain a CDL within 2 months of hire is required.
• Ability to work in teams…