Position Description
Vacant
Ag Research Equipment Operator Objective- LTE
POSITION SUMMARY
The Arlington Agricultural Research Station (AARS) is the largest of 12 UW-Madison research
stations. It supports a wide cross section of research and programs for 10 different departments
in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). It is estimated that ARS supports over
$3 million in research grants. The station consists of approximately 2100 acres of cropland and
14 different crop and livestock units. Approximately 800 acres is devoted to crop research and
the remaining 1300 acres of cropland is planted to crops which are used as feed for the research
livestock units. The AARS staff provide services to CALS researchers which include growing
feed for animals, preparing feed rations, performing field operations for crop researchers,
removing animal wastes, mowing lawns and research alleyways, trucking, and providing
maintenance and repair of facilities and field and research equipment. The AARS staff also
helps facilitate approximately 100 events at our 500-seat Public Events Building and
Headquarters meeting room.
This position will work on lawn care, janitorial duties, and perform general farm duties such as
loading and unloading wagons and trucks, cleaning animal pens, storing all types of feed and
bedding, general care of the animals. Also assists with the field operations on the experimental
plots. This position will assist with setup for events, cleaning and maintenance of the Public
Events Building. Must maintain a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
PERCENT GOALS AND WORKER ACTIVITIES
70% A. Operation of Equipment and Vehicles
A1. Operate complex/technical equipment including tractors, tillage equipment,
pesticide applicators, planting equipment, small research plot based equipment,
heavy equipment, combines, and forage harvest equipment.
A2. Operate tandem axle trucks and semi's requiring a CDL for transporting feed,
forage, bedding, and equipment.
A3. Operate and maintain lawn equipment such as mowers, clippers, weed whackers,
lawn rollers, and head shears. Sharpen knives, hedge shears, and re-string weed
whackers.
A4. Perform landscaping such as adding mulch or soil, leveling yards and trimming
ornamental shrubs and trees.
A5. Operate pickups with small trailers. Load and unload mowers from trailer as needed
between farms. Keep all vehicles and equipment in a clean orderly manner.
A6. Operate small and medium size tractors. Monitor tractor instrument panel for
tractor functions. Keep all vehicles and equipment in a clean orderly manner.
A7. Work in research plots, including organic areas for hand weeding and harvest.
A8. Operate tractor and small flail chopper to remove material from small plot, such as
grass, legumes or stalks.
A9. Operate a tractor pulling a bleacher wagon for field days and tours of the station.
A10. Perform preventative maintenance including grease jobs. Check fluid levels daily
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on all equipment operating and notify shop of needed oil changes.
A11. Mow grass waterways and other designated areas with pull type mower
A12. Set PTO speed to the correct setting and monitor speed for the following
equipment: rakes, self-unloading wagons, blowers, stalk choppers, manure
spreaders and mowers.
A13. Operate the following equipment: discs, harrows, field cultivators, culti-mulchers,
rakes, stalk choppers, and manure spreaders.
30% B. General
B1. Assist researchers in collecting data such as plant and soil sampling, harvesting,
grading and weighting and measuring.
B2. Record mileage, equipment usage hours, manure application, field operations, and
gasoline/oil consumption.
B3. Perform janitorial work in buildings, including washing and waxing floors, cleaning
and restocking bathrooms, sweeping and vacuuming floors.
B4. Transport and unload hay and straw
B5. Clean livestock pens sometimes forking manure by hand into spreaders.
B6. Transport and unload bagged seed, fertilizer, and feed
B7. Remove snow from farmstead driveways, parking areas and open areas.
B8. Operate chain saw to clear brush and trees from fence lines.
B9. Level, cap and open bunkers.
B10. Work in animal occupied barns and shelters to bed or move animals.
B11. Clean up job sites.
B12. Cooperate and work effectively with agricultural researchers.
B13. Set-up and clean after events at the Public Events Building.
B14. Perform any other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
1. Ability to interact with visitors and general public.
2. Knowledge and experience in general farm operations including handling of livestock.
3. Knowledge of field crop methods and equipment necessary for all aspects of field crop
production.
4. Skill in the operation of all types of farm tractors and machinery including tillage,
cultivating, fertilizing and manure handling.
5. Knowledge of the proper and safe operation of motor vehicles; including light trucks, and
utility vehicles.
6. Knowledge of and proper use of hand tool, power tools, materials, and techniques used in
building repair and construction.
7. Knowledge of maintenance and repair of all farm and lawn care equipment.
8. Ability to work as part of a team toward a common goal.
9. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions
10. Ability to communicate and interact with supervisors, researchers, fellow staff members.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Hold a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License
Will be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to work in dusty and moldy conditions.
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