Farm Equipment Operator - Grand Rapids, MN

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and time off

Tuition benefits

Health and dental plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids NCROC, is hiring a Farm Equipment Operator for a full-time, on-site role in Grand Rapids, MN. You will operate, calibrate, and maintain a variety of farm equipment, employ precision ag tech, and support field research and outreach activities across diverse agricultural tasks.

Requirements include one year of farm equipment experience, ability to learn electronic guiding systems, pesticide applicator licensing within six months, and flexibility for

Qualifications

• Experience operating power-driven farm equipment in a farming operation.
• Knowledge of electronic guiding systems (GPS/auto-steering) or ability to learn.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Non-commercial pesticide applicator license within six months of hire.
• Ability to perform essential functions, including standing, lifting up to 50 lbs., and climbing equipment.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts and extended hours as required.
• Demonstrated effective communication and teamwork in a team-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a wide range of farm equipment including tractors, tillage tools, planters, and harvesters.
• Utilize GPS and precision agriculture tech to improve field operations.
• Read and follow pesticide/fertilizer labels; calibrate sprayers for accurate applications.
• Maintain equipment maintenance records and field operation data.
• Move equipment between locations and ensure safe load handling per DOT rules.
• Follow sustainable farming practices to minimize soil compaction and over-spraying.
• Assist with research plots and field management tasks.

Skills

Farm equipment operation

GPS/auto-steering

Pesticide license

Physical endurance

Shift flexibility

Teamwork

Tools

GPS/auto-steering systems

Job description

About the Job

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants: Monday, November 2, 2026 - Monday, November 9, 2026.

The Farm Equipment Operator position is a full-time appointment located in Grand Rapids, MN at The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) which is characterized by the diversity of our research activities. In addition to traditional crop and livestock research, scientists at the center study agricultural engineering, environmental issues, forestry, industrial by-product utilization, horticulture, and wild rice

The Farm Equipment Operator is a key position reporting to the Agriculture and Horticulture Operations Supervisor to ensure smooth functioning of daily research and outreach tasks, especially those involving farm machinery. The incumbent 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 in various fieldwork and machinery operations, supporting advanced farming & research practices and efficient operations.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Shift hours may vary based on agricultural operational needs. Consecutive Sunday work and overtime are not required conditions of employment.

Major Areas of Accountability

Operate Farming Equipment - 65%

• Equipment Operation: Operate a wide range of farm equipment, including but not limited to tractors, tillage tools, planters, grain drills, fertilizer applicators, sprayers, harvesters, trucks, trailers, mowers, and forage equipment to perform various fieldwork tasks efficiently while following NCROC and University safety practices.
• Precision Agriculture: 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.
• Pesticide and Fertilizer Application: Read, understand, and follow pesticide and fertilizer labels to ensure safe and proper handling and application. Calibrate and adjust sprayers and applicators for accurate applications based on field conditions and crop needs.
• Field Mapping and Data Capturing/Analyzing: 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 adjustments in real-time to improve research precision and operational efficiency.
• Equipment moves: Responsible for using a variety of methods to move equipment including tractors, trucks, trailers and towable implements such as sprayers, tillers, wagons, planters. This role will be required to hook up trailers and secure loads and equipment, move between two farm locations on public roadways and follow all state and federal DOT rules and regulations to safely and efficiently move the loads.
• Sustainable Practices: Follow environmental and sustainability practices while operating equipment.
• Minimize soil compaction, avoid over spraying, and follow guidelines for nutrient management to ensure environmentally responsible farming practices.

Repair and Maintenance

Repair and Maintenance - 25%

• Routine 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.
• Field and Shop Repairs: 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.
• Equipment Overhaul: Assist in more complex repairs and overhauls of major farm equipment such as combines, sprayers, tractors, and other heavy machinery. This may include diagnosing problems, replacing components, and ensuring proper functionality.
• Maintenance Records: Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repairs performed on equipment, keeping track of hours, parts replaced, and service schedules to ensure that all equipment is properly serviced and ready for use when needed.
• Preventative Measures: Identify potential issues with machinery before they lead to breakdowns by regularly inspecting equipment and implementing preventative measures.

Other Duties

Other Duties - 10%

• Snow Removal and Winter Maintenance: During the winter season, operate snow-plows, bucket loaders, snow blowers and/or shovels, to clear roads, driveways, and other areas on the farm, ensuring safe access to the farm and surrounding facilities.
• General Farm Maintenance: Perform a variety of tasks to maintain the farm infrastructure, including repairing barns, sheds, fencing, and other facilities.
• Landscape Maintenance: Assist with landscaping and groundskeeping tasks, such as mowing grass, trimming trees, maintaining irrigation lines, and ensuring that pastures and other fields are properly cared for.
• Assist with Research Plot Management: Work closely with the plant science research team to manage experimental sites. This includes assisting with planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, and maintaining research plots using both small-plot equipment and hand-tools. Ensure proper calibration of equipment for precise research data collection.
• Crop and Livestock Support: Assist with seasonal tasks related to both crop production and livestock care, including feeding livestock, herding and/or hauling animals, assisting with manure management and handling, and supporting seasonal feedstock tasks.
• Outreach Support: Participate in outreach events and activities, including field days, tours, and community events. Duties may include setting up equipment displays, giving equipment demonstrations, and helping other event participants as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Farm Equipment Experience: At least one year of experience operating power-driven farm equipment in a farming operation.
• Electronic Guiding Systems: Knowledge of or the ability to learn to operate electronic guiding systems used in modern farm equipment, including GPS and auto-steering systems.
• Pesticide Applicator License: Must have or possess the ability to obtain a Non-commercial pesticide applicator license within six (6) months of hire.
• Physical Ability: Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including but not limited to walking or standing for most of the workday; climbing equipment, and grain tanks, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 lbs or more.
• Shift Work Flexibility: Ability to work rotating shifts and extended hours as required, particularly during the spring and fall season.
• Effective Communication & Teamwork: Evidence of effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration with staff, project personnel, and team members. Ability to share information and work efficiently in a team-based environment.

Preferred

• Attention to Detail & Team Participation: Evidence of being observant, detail-oriented, and an active participant in a team atmosphere. Demonstrated accuracy in equipment calibration, record-keeping and following detailed research protocols.
• Adaptability to Environmental Conditions: Must be able to perform essential job functions under normal working conditions that include working outside with exposure to weather conditions common to the region, as well as allergens and irritants such as pollen, fungal spores, and pesticides in field and greenhouse environments.
• Experience with Precision Ag Tech: Prior experience with precision agriculture tools and technology, including GPS systems, auto-steering, and other digital farming tools, is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve equipment malfunctions or performance issues quickly and efficiently.
• Knowledge of Crop & Livestock Care: Familiarity with crop production systems and livestock care, including tasks such as manure management, feeding, and animal health monitoring.
• Research & Data Collection Skills: Experience assisting with research activities or experimental plots, including proper data collection and equipment calibration to support field studies.
• Commercial Driver's License: Possession of a valid Class A CDL, or ability to obtain one With six (6) months of hire.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.63 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (Teamsters Local 320)

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.