Senior Farm Technician

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.

• 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

• 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
• Become approved to drive Purdue University vehicles
• Possess the willingness and desire to learn new processes and skills
• Willingness to work extended seasonal hours beyond 40 hours per week as needed
• Participation in mandatory random drug screening

• Machinery operation experience

• This position is located in Wanatah, IN
• 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

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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