Field Technician

UWMSN University of Wisconsin Madison; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking a motivated, full-time Agricultural Laborer at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station to support plant cultivation and seed production in fields and greenhouses. Responsibilities include planting, pollination, crop maintenance, harvesting, seed processing, and operating threshers and shellers.

The role supports faculty, students, and postdocs across research projects and requires comfort with outdoor work, variable weather, and following

Qualifications

• HS diploma preferred.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Experience following established protocols and working both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Plant, cultivate, and harvest crops in field and greenhouse environments.
• Operate plot or plant-level threshers and shellers.
• May participate in irrigation activities.
• Maintain and process seeds and load harvested products.

Skills

Planting

Pollination

Harvesting

Stamina & physical fitness

Teamwork

Education

HS diploma preferred

Tools

Threshers

Shellers

Farm equipment operation

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Agricultural Laborer

Job Summary

The West Madison Agricultural Research Station is seeking a motivated and dependable individual for a full-time, ongoing position anticipated to begin on November 1st. This role is responsible for supporting all aspects of plant cultivation and seed production in both field and greenhouse environments. Key responsibilities include planting, pollinations, crop maintenance, harvesting, seed processing, and operating equipment such as plot or individual plant-level threshers and shellers. Major crops handled by the incumbent will include, but are not limited to, corn, sorghum, and wheat.

The successful candidate will serve as an integral member of the research team, supporting the work of faculty, students, and postdoctoral researchers on a variety of agricultural research projects. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on agricultural work and is comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

The role requires the ability to follow established research protocols and procedures while working independently and collaboratively within a diverse research environment. Work is conducted in agricultural research fields and greenhouses and requires regular exposure to crop pollen, dust, seed-processing operations, plant materials, and other environmental conditions associated with field research. Individuals should be comfortable working outdoors in varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Candidates must be able to perform the physical demands of agricultural fieldwork, including prolonged walking and standing on uneven terrain, lifting and carrying seed and research materials weighing up to 50 pounds, and working in inclement weather. Some weekend work will be required during peak pollination periods in July and August. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, a solid work ethic, and a commitment to supporting high-quality research operations. A valid driver's license is required, and the selected candidate must become an approved driver through UW-Madison's Driver Authorization Process.

Additional Information

• A criminal background check may be required
• A six-month probationary period may be required
• A valid driver's license is required. Employees must become an approved driver through UW-Madison’s driver authorization process, which requires meeting established criteria.

Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/.

Key Job Responsibilities

• May operate farm equipment
• Plants, cultivates, and harvests vegetables, fruits, nuts, horticultural specialties, and field crops
• May participate in irrigation activities
• Cleans, grades, sorts, packs, and loads harvested products and seed
• Maintains and evaluates hardscapes

Department

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences | Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences | Khangura Research Program. The Khangura Research Program focuses on genetic and molecular understanding of agronomically relevant traits in cereal crops, especially maize, sorghum, and wheat. Current research interests in the lab include projects aimed at enhancing molecular understanding of variants influencing plant architecture, development, immunity, and their interactions. The lab uses Mendelian genetics, population genetics, molecular biology, and omics tools to explore a range of plant phenotypes.

Compensation

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $18-$22. However, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of following established procedures, protocols, or work instructions
• Experience working independently and as part of a team to accomplish shared goals
• Experience performing physically demanding work involving prolonged standing, walking, repetitive tasks, and/or lifting materials

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing field work with corn, maize, sorghum, and/or wheat crops
• Mechanical aptitude demonstrated through experience working with tools, machinery, or mechanical equipment

Education

HS diploma preferred

Contact Information

For questions about recruitment updates, please contact Madeilene Hoffman | HR Generalist at [e-mail] Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department. Work with purpose, make an impact, and grow your career. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is committed to equity, inclusion and employee well-being as we proudly work to improve the lives of people in Wisconsin and beyond. UW-Madison offers a wide range of professions that cover various interests and skill levels. We employ everything from accountants to arborists, chefs to custodians, editors to electricians, graphic designers to groundskeepers, HR associates to HVAC technicians, librarians to locksmiths, mechanics to medical assistants, painters to police officers, web designers to welders, and absolutely everything in between! No matter what you are looking for professionally, chances are you will not only find it but will thrive at it while working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.