Agricultural and Special Equipment Op II

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary position.

Operates and maintains heavy duty agricultural and special equipment used in complex agricultural, landscape construction and maintenance of campus grounds.

Unit Position Summary

Operates, monitors, and services all aspects of the MSU Anaerobic Digester facility. Included in the operations is an anaerobic digester, associated material holding tanks, transfer pumps, biogas handling equipment, solid-liquid separation system, and combined heat and power (CHP) system.

• Inspect, repair, and alter equipment associated with the anaerobic digester, solid-liquid separation, and CHP systems
• Assist with operation and monitoring all aspects of the anaerobic digester
• Repair, replace, and rebuild engines, pumps, associated with the anaerobic digester
• Repair and replace fixtures, valves, traps, piping, and related working parts of manure separation and hauling systems
• Clean and jet manure lines and drains
• Inspects, repairs, and maintains structural supports, joints, and equipment components associated with the feeding, housing, and manure hauling systems
• Assist with the recording, compiling, organizing, and evaluation of data to provide reports and operational status. 
• Maintain vehicles, equipment, and building interiors and exteriors
• Adjust, repair, maintain, service, and operate heavy machinery used in operating an anaerobic digester facility and all applicable attachments
• Replace and rebuild component parts of digester equipment in accordance with instructions.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions using test lights, ohmmeters, voltmeters, circuit stimulators, and wiring diagrams, making alterations as necessary
• Utilize remote monitoring technology to monitor the facility and diagnose malfunctions
• Inspect and test run vehicles and equipment and acquire parts and supplies needed for repairs.  
• Work with employees and give instruction of work methods and processes.
• Coordinate repairs and construction projects with contractors as necessary.

Perform related duties as assigned including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Change oil, oil filters, and air filters
• Replace light bulbs and fuses and make minor electrical repairs and replacements on agricultural equipment
• Clean barns, sheds, pens, and work areas.

Desired Qualifications

• Education pertaining to a bachelor's degree in BioSystems Engineering or related field
• Operational understanding of the anaerobic digester through a combination of education and experience
• Familiarity and ability to use common hand tools
• Possession or attainment of an MSU forklift operator's permit prior to the completion of the applicable probation or trial period. Must drive University vehicle to perform job duties of this classification
• Ability to use e-mail and the Internet, the ability to utilize and create electronic spreadsheets for data collection

Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position:
Basic knowledge of the skilled trades
Experience maintaining industrial equipment
Basic knowledge of animal agriculture
Experience using a powerwasher

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

6 am - 2:30 pm, Monday-Friday

Summary of Health Risks

• Drive a university vehicle that requires medical certification
• Wear a respirator
• Work in a noisy environment

Summary of Physical Demands

• Lifting and carrying of up to 80 lbs
• Physically intensive job
• Confined spaces
• Climbing stairs and ladders on large structures