Farm Equipment Operator (FEO)

Unit and Position Overview:
The Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) in Rosemount, Minnesota is one of 10 research and outreach centers in the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The RROC encompasses approximately 3,400 acres and supports analytical, biological, and field laboratories to facilitate research and demonstration projects that enhance the sustainable use of agricultural and natural resources in east-central Minnesota. Program areas include plant and soil sciences, sustainable cropping systems, climatology and renewal energy.

The Farm Equipment Operator is a 10-month position and 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 and repairs on machinery. The role also involves maintaining records for equipment maintenance and field operations. Working with modern equipment and precision agriculture technologies, the operator will assist and perform various fieldwork and machinery operations, supporting advanced farming & research practices and efficient operations.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

75% Crop Agriculture:
* Operate and adjust in real-time according to environmental and crop conditions, a wide range of farm equipment, including but not limited to tractors, tillage tools, planters, grain drills, fertilizer applicators, sprayers, forage-harvesters, combines and heads, trucks, mowers, loaders, and forage equipment to perform various fieldwork tasks efficiently and safely.
* Utilize modern agricultural technology such as GPS guidance systems, automated field documentation, auto-steering, and variable rate technologies (VRT) to improve the efficiency of field operations, ensuring accurate planting, fertilizing, spraying, and harvesting.
* Work with in-cab and cloud-based monitoring and documentation systems and databases to create field maps and harvest records as well as cultural practice/labor documentation for work being performed. Analyze data from these systems to optimize field operations and make necessary machine adjustments in real-time to improve crop yields and equipment efficiency.
* Read, understand, and follow pesticide labels and fertilizer recommendations to ensure safe and proper handling and application of pesticide and fertilizer products. Calibrate and adjust sprayers and applicators for accurate applications based on field conditions and crop needs. Scout fields to identify treatment areas so as to schedule and perform applications based on crop and pest stages.
* Accurately apply dry and liquid fertilizers as well as various forms of livestock manure.
* Responsible for handling grain and storage bin management, climb vertical ladders up to 60 feet high for grain leg and bin maintenance. Haul harvested grain and record all load weights, moistures, and notables. Adjust grain drying system during fall harvest based on incoming grain conditions to achieve uniform final product. Maintain and operate grain drying and handling equipment. Take samples, weigh and keep grain records. Load out grain to trucks.
* Utilizes current monitoring and record keeping systems (i.e. John Deere Greenstar and Operations Center) for planting, spraying, fertilizing and harvesting. Maintain detailed electronic and written records for required RROC and ROC system reporting.

20% Facility and Equipment Maintenance:
* Perform regular maintenance on equipment, such as oil changes, lubrication, filter replacements, standard wear parts replacement, and tire checks to ensure all equipment is running smoothly and efficiently.
* Conduct emergency and light-duty repairs in the field and/or in the shop, such as fixing broken belts, bearings, hoses, blades, rollers, or other mechanical failures, to minimize downtime and maintain productivity during peak farming seasons.
* Perform general maintenance repair to facilities and grounds to include but not limited to buildings, fencing, tree trimming, irrigation lines, etc.
* Maintain detailed records of maintenance and repairs performed on equipment and facilities, keeping track of hours, parts replaced, and service schedules to ensure that all equipment is properly serviced and ready for use when needed.
* Assist with building remodeling projects.

5% Other Duties
* Assist with landscaping and groundskeeping tasks, such as mowing grass, trimming trees, maintaining irrigation lines, and ensuring that other fields are properly cared for.
* During the winter season, operate snow-plows and loaders to clear roads, driveways, and other areas on the farm, ensuring safe access to and surrounding facilities.
* Assist in the preparation and participate in RROC outreach efforts, including field days, community events, and educational programming.

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants: 12/30/25 - 1/6/26. The Farm Equipment Operator is a 10-month position. This position is represented by the Teamsters Bargaining Unit.

Required Qualifications:
* High school diploma/GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience operating a variety of power-driven farm implements such as tractor, cultivator, disc ripper, and combine in a large scale farming operation in row crop farming
* Knowledge of or have the ability to learn electronic guiding systems
* Must have valid driver's license
* Must have or the ability to obtain a Non-commercial pesticide applicator license within six (6) months of hire.
* Must be able to work overtime including occasional Saturdays or Sundays, especially during peak seasons such as Spring planting and Fall harvest.
* Must be able to carry, lift, push and pull up to 50 lbs. or more
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with agricultural research activities is desirable
* Previous experience mixing and spraying agricultural pesticides
* Ability to work independently or with a team
* Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to work with many different stakeholders and changing priorities
* Good communication and problem solving skills
* Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class A CDL

Pay Range: $23.46 - $27.66; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).