Purdue University
For full consideration, please apply through this link: https://bit.ly/4boodcn
The Senior Farm Technician is a seasoned, individual contributor who works independently with limited supervision while assisting in daily activities at Pinney Purdue Ag Center (PPAC) which may include, but is not limited to, building and property maintenance, production ag equipment operation, assisting with maintenance of farm machinery, and supporting all research efforts. Day-to-day responsibilities of this position will range widely depending on the season and requests from supervisor and researchers.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Collect plant, soil and water samples
- Collect NWS weather data and assist with maintaining Purdue Mesonet Weather Station
- Participate in setup and execution of various educational programs and ag center tours as needed; may include assisting Extension Agents, transporting farmers and industry visitors, etc.
- Operate commercial agricultural equipment such as tractors, sprayers, planters and combines, mowers, tillage equipment, ect.
- Operate forestry related equipment such as loaders, skid loaders, and chain saws
- Review and recognize obstacles during planning phases of farm operations making moderate to significant improvements to processes and design to enhance performance
- Learn to use Precision Ag Systems installed in equipment to achieve desired machine function. Ex. planting rate, speed, GPS steering, application rate, etc.
- Maintain around facilities by mowing lanes and roadsides with batwing, zero turn, and boom mowers
- General maintenance of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting of facilities.
- Install and maintain waterways, ditches, tile to proper design specifications
- Assist the Lead Mechanic with maintenance and repairs on tractors, combines, sprayers, trucks, and all implements.
- Develop relationships with local vendors to diagnose and find solutions to equipment failures
- Perform work in a safe manner and provide safety related guidance, training and instruction to visitors when needed
- Operate earth moving equipment such as dozers, excavators, scrapers, pans, backhoes and skid loaders
- Load and unload equipment, gravel, and grain from various trailers and trucks
Required:
- High School Diploma/GED
- 4 years of experience in an Ag-related field
- Obtain certification and/or licensing in regulated areas as needed (Ex. Possess or have the ability to acquire a Cat 1 & 14 applicator licenses within 6 months of hire date)
- Acquire a Class A CDL within 12 months of employment
- Microsoft office software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Valid U.S. or Canadian drivers license
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 – $20.77 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person