Facilities Technician II

Job Details

Salary:
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Job Category:University Staff

Employment Type:Regular

Job Profile:Facilities Technician II

Job Summary:

Join a Dynamic Research Environment Supporting Cutting-Edge Agricultural Science

The Arlington Agricultural Research Station seeks a skilled and versatile Facilities Technician to join our small, dedicated facilities team. Located just 20 miles north of Madison on over 2,000 acres of premier agricultural research land, Arlington ARS serves as an outdoor laboratory for nearly every department in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

About This Unique Opportunity

This position offers an exceptional blend of general facilities maintenance and specialized agricultural systems operation. You'll be instrumental in maintaining diverse research infrastructure while becoming a key operator of our state-of-the-art sand separation system at the Emmons Blaine Arlington Dairy Research Center, the University of Wisconsin’s flagship dairy research facility.

Your work will directly support groundbreaking research across nearly all disciplines within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences:

You'll maintain the station's extensive research infrastructure including dairy, beef, sheep, and swine livestock facilities and specialized facilities for agronomy, soils, horticulture, and plant pathology; the central feed mill; and agricultural engineering installations across the 2,000+ acre station. Your facilities expertise ensures researchers can focus on their work, from crop science and animal genetics to nutrition studies and sustainable agriculture innovations, knowing their buildings, equipment, and specialized systems are properly maintained and operationally sound.

Position Highlights

Diverse Facilities Maintenance

• Maintain equipment and facilities across station's extensive research infrastructure
• Support operations at greenhouses, laboratories, and central feed mill
• Perform inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on buildings and equipment
• Coordinate with trades, vendors, and technical staff on projects
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational procedures

Sand Separation Building Operations

• Operate and maintain the dairy's specialized sand bedding recovery system
• Monitor and adjust separation processes to ensure optimal sand quality
• Operate skid loaders to move and stockpile clean sand throughout the day
• Perform daily equipment maintenance including cleaning and greasing
• Conduct regular system checks and process adjustments across shifts

General Dairy Maintenance Support

• Assist with Blaine Dairy facility and equipment maintenance
• Support feeding equipment upkeep and general facility operations
• Collaborate with dairy management on maintenance priorities

What Makes This Role Special

This position bridges two important teams—the Arlington ARS Maintenance Team and Blaine Dairy Operations—creating synergy that enhances operational efficiency station-wide. You'll be part of a collaborative 3-4 person maintenance pool with shared knowledge and backup coverage, while working closely with dairy staff focused on animal care and research excellence.

The role offers variety, challenge, and the satisfaction of knowing your work directly enables world-class agricultural research that impacts Wisconsin's farming community and beyond.

Additional Information

• The ability to reliably travel between work locations is required.
• Criminal Background Check may be required
• Evaluation Period may be required

Review the Arlington Agricultural Research Station website: https://arlington.ars.wisc.edu/

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Receives, inspects, inventories, and distributes deliveries to appropriate entities under general supervision
• Performs routine facility inspections and monitors cleanliness
• Assists trades, crafts, vendors, and technical staff with construction, design, and operational maintenance as needed
• Utilizes equipment to repair and maintain standard machinery, equipment, and facility property to prevent further damage and ensure optimal operation
• Troubleshoots, escalates, and documents issues according to established policies and procedures

Department:

Arlington Agricultural Research Station

Compensation:

The anticipated hourly compensation for this position with minimal experience is $22.00/hr. However, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and equipment operation experience
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair basic machinery and building systems
• Organizational, communication, & problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Valid Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using and maintaining heavy‑duty or agricultural equipment and facilities, including operating skid loaders and other heavy equipment and performing routine and preventive maintenance practices to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Experience working with Mechanical, Hydraulic, Plumbing & Electrical Systems.
• Experience performing work in the Construction, Maintenance, or Building Trades

Education:

H.S. Diploma Preferred