Job Summary
The Lead Farm Technician is a recognized specialist who works independently with little to no supervision while leading in daily activities at the Pinney Purdue Ag Center. Duties may include, but are not limited to, building and property maintenance, ag equipment operation, maintenance of farm machinery, and various other tasks that support all research efforts. Day to day responsibilities of this position involve independent decision making skills to solve a wide range of problems depending on the season and requests from supervisor and researchers.
This position is located in Wanatah, IN.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Collect plant, soil and water samples
- Lead various teams with data collection and archiving
- Maintain a safe work environment for coworkers and visitors
- Oversee the collection of NWS weather data and maintain Purdue Mesonet Weather Station
- Work independently to find solutions when original ideas are not feasibly executed
- Represent Purdue to customers, industry representatives and local vendors
- 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.
- May act as functional supervisor while delegating and overseeing daily work of temporary and/or student workers
- Makes minor changes / enhancements to processes to improve efficiencies while also improving overall effectiveness
- Operate commercial agricultural equipment such as tractors, sprayers, planters and combines, mowers, tillage equipment, etc.
- Operate forestry related equipment such as loaders, skid loaders, and chain saws
- Be aware of potential issues during research operations and make decisions on their own to fix or avoid these issues to carryout research efforts
- Learn to use Precision Ag Systems installed in equipment to achieve desired machine function. Ex. planting rate, speed, GPS steering, application rate, etc.
- Assist with installing and/or troubleshoot Precision Ag Technology
- Building and Premises Maintenance
- 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
- Communicate with the Lead Mechanic and Superintendent any problems that arise to keep equipment in working condition
- Operate earth moving equipment such as dozers, excavators, scrapers, pans, backhoes and skid loaders
What We're Looking For:
- 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
- Willingness to work extended seasonal hours beyond 40 hours per week as needed (overtime eligible)
- Participation in mandatory random drug screening
- Microsoft office software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Become approved to drive Purdue University vehicles
- Possess the willingness and desire to learn new processes and skills
- Valid US or Canadian drivers license
Nice to Have:
- Machinery operation experience
- Supervisory experience
What We'd Like You to Know:
- Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position.
- A background check is required for employment in this position
- This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing.
- FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
- Retirement: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
- Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply
What You'll Get in Return:
All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.
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