"Feed Mill Operator"

Job Details

Salary:
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Agricultural Equipment Opr II

Job Summary:

The Feed Mill Operator is a dynamic, hands-on technical position at the UW Arlington Agricultural Research Station where you'll be essential to cutting-edge animal and agricultural research. This isn't your typical equipment operator job—you'll operate a complex feed production facility that produces approximately 4,000 tons of specialized research feed annually, directly supporting groundbreaking studies for the University of Wisconsin – Madison researchers. As the Feed Mill Operator, you'll manage the complete feed production cycle, from reviewing orders and ensuring quality control to precise ingredient preparation, strategic ration sequencing, expert feed mixing, and timely delivery to research and teaching units across multiple facilities.

This role demands technical expertise in operating complex feed manufacturing equipment including mixers, grinders, pelletizers, and conveyors, combined with meticulous attention to detail for accurate recordkeeping of feed orders, ingredients, and medication use. The Feed Mill Operator ensures all Standard Operating Procedures are followed, maintains inventory management systems, and provides critical technical support by adjusting equipment to meet changing operational demands. You'll troubleshoot and maintain industrial equipment to keep production running smoothly, deliver feed using commercial vehicles with your CDL, and collaborate with farm crews across the station as a versatile team player.

What makes this position truly special is the tangible impact you'll have every single day. Your expertise ensures that researchers, faculty, and students have the high-quality, consistent feed they need to conduct studies that advance agriculture, veterinary medicine, and food systems worldwide. You'll take pride in knowing that your commitment to precision, safety, and research compliance helps uphold UW-Madison's internationally recognized reputation for excellence in animal care and scientific innovation. If you're someone who loves working with equipment, solving complex operational challenges, and being part of a mission that makes a real difference, this is your opportunity to contribute to discoveries that will shape the future of agriculture and life sciences.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Documents completion of duties according to established policies and procedures
• Operates machinery which conveys, grinds, crushes, mixes, and pelletizes
• Applies pesticides in accordance with best practices and established rules, policies, and regulations
• Operates vehicles to deliver and receive freight and inspects, loads, and unloads materials to ensure safe and efficient transport
• Stages equipment and machines in preparation of agricultural activities
• Maintains organization of designated facilities and associated supplies, notifies appropriate entities of damaged materials or the need for supply replenishment
• Operates, cleans, and repairs basic and complex agricultural machines and equipment to ensure safety and operable functionality and to adhere to established rules, policies, and regulations

Department:

Arlington Agricultural Research Station

Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00. 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

Hiring Bonus Employees who need to obtain their CDL upon their start of employment will be required to do so within their first six months of employment. Failure to obtain a CDL before the end of the six-month probationary period will result in termination or employment. Employees will be required to personally cover the expense of the CDL training and testing and will be able to attend the training and testing in work/pay status. Information regarding the Entry-Level Driver Training, including access to a listing of current training providers in WI and training costs, visit “ https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ ”. Training Providers set their own rate for the training. Information regarding the CDL skills test and fees is available through the Wisconsin DOT website “ https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/cdl-how-aply/thirdparty.aspx ”

A $4,500 hiring bonus will be provided during the first year of employment to be paid as follows:

• After the first 30 calendar days of “satisfactory” employment, the employee will receive $900.
• After completion of six months, the employee will receive $1,800 and
• After the employee has worked for one full year successfully, they will receive $1,800.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated precision in work performance and commitment to maintaining strict safety and quality standards.
• Required to hold or be able to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License within 6 months of employment.
• Organizational skills to effectively manage tasks and maintain accurate records.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with feed mill production, including operating mixers, hammer mills, pellet mills, and/or conveyors.
• Basic mechanical skills for routine maintenance and troubleshooting on motors, gear boxes, pneumatic systems, augers, conveyor belts, pellet mills, and elevator legs.
• Experience operating and maintaining agricultural machinery (e.g., tractors, manure tankers, pesticide sprayers, front-end loaders, skid steers), in an agricultural or similar research settings with quality and documentation standards.

License or Certificate:

Commercial Driver’s License

Education:

H.S. Diploma - Preferred

How to Apply:

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/Application Materials:

Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

Cover Letter (optional) - Refer to your related work experience

Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Contact Information:

Andrew Vaudt, HR Generalist (andrew.vaudt@wisc.edu)