Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

This is a temporary/casual position that performs a variety of manual farm labor tasks from detailed instructions that are tailored to farm operations including but not limited to driving tractors used for tillage and seeding as well as the harvest and transport of forage, grain, straw, and manure applications. Additional responsibilities may also include light maintenance on equipment and facilities as well as tasks such as snow blowing and general livestock care.

Job duties

Agricultural Production Operations - 55%

• Forage production -Operate hay mowing equipment, rakes, choppers, round and square balers, baggers, and forage wagons and trucks. Record weights, moistures, and notables. Make equipment adjustments as needed to optimize production. Bag and-/- or shape and pack silage.
• Fertilizer / Manure Application - Apply dry and liquid fertilizers as well as dry and liquid manure using a tractor and spreader.
  Tillage -Perform tillage recognizing proper conditions for tillage - assess effectiveness of and make adjustments to implement as neede
• Grain Handling and Harvest-Haul harvested grain and record weights of loads, moistures, and other notables. Transfer grain to the feed Center, bins, or load out to trucks. Potentially operate a combine based on experience and training.
• Planting - Use grain drills and other agricultural seeders and planters.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance - 20%

• Performs general maintenance (carpentry, plumbing, etc.) repair to facilities and grounds to include but not limited to: barns, sheds, fencing, tree trimming, mowing, irrigation line, tile line, seeding and mowing pastures and grounds, etc. Performs light maintenance and repairs on equipment in-field (when necessary) and within the shop. Operates snow blowers, front end loaders, and other snow removing equipment.

Agricultural Animal Care and Operations - 20%

• Manure loading, sampling, hauling, and application (weekly and seasonally),
• Work in the feed center to make and-/- or deliver blended diets to hogs and dairy cattle,
• Assist with general care of animals which may include swine or dairy animals.

Recordkeeping and Projects as Assigned - 5%

• Record tasks and activities in multiple formats including electronic databases

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and a minimum of 3 years of experience in row crop farming within the past 5 years.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency within the last 5 years in calibrating, adjusting, operating, recognizing potential equipment problems and performing maintenance on various agricultural equipment specifically including farm tractor operation.
• Must be able to work in indoor, outdoor, and animal environments (noise, dust, and odors) with occasional overtime.
• Must be able to walk or stand for the majority of a day; bend, kneel; and carry, lift, push and pull at minimum 50 lbs.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to work in teams and work collaboratively

Desired Qualifications

• Have demonstrated proficiency within the last 5 years in calibrating, adjusting, operating, recognizing potential equipment problems and performing maintenance on larger ag equipment such as 6-row or larger planters, spray rigs, and combines
• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is desired.
• Knowledge and experience in livestock care and handling.
• Appreciation for research activities and patience to work in research settings.

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay Range: $22.44 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).