Heating System Operator

Work description

Employees will perform a mix of farm equipment operation and specialized mechanical support within a large dairy and crop operation in Wisconsin, with the work centered on keeping production equipment and winter heating systems functioning reliably for the farm’s daily and seasonal needs. In the 40% of work classified under SOC 45-2091, employees will operate tractors, seed drills, planters, sprayers, combines, and other agricultural machinery as assigned, setting equipment controls and adjusting operating mechanisms for the task at hand while watching and listening for equipment problems during operation and reporting malfunctions when they occur. They will also drive farm trucks or semi-trucks to move crops, tools, and supplies as specifically assigned, and they will inspect equipment, perform routine servicing, lubrication, adjustments, and minor repairs, and complete routine repairs and maintenance on equipment to support ongoing farm operations. In the 60% of work classified under SOC 49-3041, employees will inspect agricultural machinery to identify faults, wear, and maintenance needs; diagnose mechanical or electrical problems and determine required repairs; and service tractors, harvesters, irrigation equipment, and other specified farm machinery by inspecting and replacing worn belts, drives, filters, and other service parts, checking fluid levels, and performing scheduled preventive maintenance. They will document repairs, maintenance completed, and replacement parts used, report equipment deficiencies, and coordinate repair downtime. This mechanical work also includes monitoring and maintaining natural gas-fired boiler systems serving the anaerobic digesters, operating, inspecting, and maintaining wood-fired heating units used for digester and calf barn heating, and ensuring continuous heat production necessary to maintain required operating temperatures within anaerobic digesters while also maintaining proper environmental temperatures in calf housing facilities to protect newborn calves from freezing conditions and cold stress. Employees will routinely inspect heating equipment for operational efficiency, safety, and performance; respond promptly to boiler shutdowns, alarm conditions, equipment malfunctions, or emergency service calls; perform preventive and routine maintenance on boilers, pumps, piping systems, fans, controls, and associated heating equipment; load, manage, and feed wood-fired heating systems as required to maintain continuous operation; remove ash, clean fireboxes, and perform housekeeping duties associated with wood-burning equipment; monitor fuel inventories and report supply needs to management; conduct daily system checks and maintain records of equipment performance, temperatures, maintenance activities, and operational issues; and identify potential mechanical problems and communicate repair needs to supervisors. The employer, at its sole discretion, may grant pay increases based on factors such as performance, longevity, and/or experience. Employer may also, at its sole discretion, offer performance-based incentive bonuses that are not guaranteed and are determined by the employer. Job requires exposure to extreme outdoor temperatures, extensive pushing or pulling, extensive sitting or walking, frequent stooping or bending over, and lifting up to 30 lbs. Employee must have 2 months of verifiable experience.