Part - Time Farm Worker III - Wurdack Extension and Education Center

Key Responsibilities

• Operate highly specialized farm equipment; operate self-propelled, combines, sprayers, all specialized tractor accessories and equipment used to prepare land, plant crops, cultivate and harvest crops.
• Direct and assist in the performance of general farm work; maintenance of buildings, fencing, spraying, pruning, driving trucks and related duties of a research nature.
• Maintain, service and repair tractors, tractor attachments, farm equipment, sprayers, air compressors, pruners, and other machinery.
• Weld broken frames, braces, and parts; replace damaged and defective parts; overhaul and repair tractor engines and small engines.
• Replace and repack bearings, valves, etc. Undertake repairs of moderate complexity within the limitations of available shop equipment.
• (Not to include overhaul of large engines or major repairs).
• Make fine adjustments, sharpen blades, and other cutting edges.
• Calibrate fertilizer spreaders, planting equipment, insecticide sprayers and other specialized equipment, insecticide sprayers and other specialized equipment for the proper predetermined flow.
• Adjust equipment prior to use, during use and upon completion of project.
• Clean and care for equipment after season and prepare equipment for storage.
• May have responsibility for ordering supplies and keeping inventory at appropriate level; for planning assignments for subordinate and the approach to be taken to complete projects, and/or meeting with researchers to plan and determine the work to be performed.
• Assist in caring for livestock; assure proper feeding schedules are followed, bedding is laid, water is provided and that livestock is handled in the appropriate manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of eighth grade.
• Five years farming experience or equivalent experience working with agricultural experiment projects.
• Very good knowledge of general farming procedures.
• Ability to operate, maintain and make repairs on highly specialized farm equipment and machinery.
• Ability to supervise.
• Good physical health and coordination as required to perform duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of cattle management / working and equipment operations.
• A commercial driver’s license may be required for some positions.