Lead Farm Operations & Equipment Technician

University of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho in Moscow is seeking a Farm Operations Foreperson to lead dryland farming operations, seed production, and equipment maintenance at the Palouse Research Center. You will coordinate daily field activities, supervise temporary staff, and provide technical direction on equipment use and farm operations.

The role requires hands-on leadership, equipment repair skills, and the ability to work nonstandard hours.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in agricultural production or farm operations.
• Experience with dryland farming practices (soil prep, planting, cultivation, pesticide application, crop maintenance, harvesting).
• Experience operating agricultural equipment and machinery (tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, trucks, forklifts).
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing agricultural equipment (maintenance, diagnosing problems, replacing parts).
• Experience with welding, cutting, fabrication, and metal repair (repairing equipment, machinery, gates, etc.).
• Experience maintaining operational, equipment, maintenance, or seed production records (production logs, maintenance logs, seed records).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles; CDL or obtain within six months; Pesticide Applicator License or obtain within six months; Forklift certification or obtain within six months.
• Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends, holidays, and overtime seasonally.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate dryland farming, research, and foundation seed production activities.
• Operate, maintain, repair, weld, and fabricate agricultural equipment and machinery.
• Coordinate daily field operations, equipment use, maintenance, and work assignments.
• Train and supervise temporary employees and provide technical direction on equipment operation and farm activities.
• Manage foundation seed processing, records, inventory, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage Federal Excess Property inventory and related program requirements.
• Serve as acting operational lead in the absence of the Farm Operations Supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job description

University of Idaho in Moscow is seeking a Farm Operations Foreperson to lead dryland farming operations, seed production, and equipment maintenance at the Palouse Research Center. You will coordinate daily field activities, supervise temporary staff, and provide technical direction on equipment use and farm operations.

The role requires hands-on leadership, equipment repair skills, and the ability to work nonstandard hours.