Equipment Operator/Farm Hand

What You’ll Do

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Operate tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, and specialty research equipment both on and off site.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on farm and research equipment.
• Assist with equipment setup, calibration, and cleaning to ensure accurate and efficient field operations.
• Maintain organized records related to equipment use and service.
• Field Operations and Farm Support
• Assist with planting, cultivating, irrigating, and harvesting research plots and production fields.
• Support seed production activities including threshing, cleaning, drying, and storage.
• Follow agronomic best practices including irrigation scheduling, fertility applications, and pest management.
• Supervise and assist part-time labor crews during planting, harvest, and other field activities to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
• Greenhouse and Lab Support
• Assist in establishing and maintaining plant nurseries and greenhouse trials.
• Monitor plant health and assist with watering, transplanting, and general care routines.
• Support forage quality sampling including drying, grinding, and sample preparation.
• Absorb basic data entry and recordkeeping to ensure research accuracy and consistency.
• Inventory & Data Management
• Assist with seed inventory, organize labeling and storage, and fulfill internal seed requests.
• Assist with data entry, report generation, and maintenance of research records.

What You Bring

• 1-2 years of experience operating agricultural equipment or working in farm operations preferred.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in field research, plot management, or greenhouse work is a plus.
• Pesticide License required or ability to obtain.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Demonstrated competency in team leadership, communication, supervising small crews, project design and workload planning.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, prioritization skills and follow-up skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including handheld and desktop computers, and other database software.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work overtime hours as necessary.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Competitive hourly pay (up to $25.00/hour, depending on experience).
• Full benefits package, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Opportunities to learn new research technologies and grow your career.
• Work that contributes to sustainable agriculture and environmental health.