Senior Farm Equipment Operator, Forest Resources & Education Center: UTIA (Oak Ridge, TN)

Job Title

This position is solely responsible for the operation and maintenance of farm equipment, and field-related duties for the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center UT Oak Ridge Forest/Arboretum.

Responsibilities

Operates general purpose, specialized farm and heavy power equipment such as tractors, bulldozer/hauling unit, commercial mowers, field vehicles and dump truck. May include the transportation of farm equipment using commercial hauling equipment.

Performs basic servicing and maintenance of equipment.

Assists with construction projects, maintenance of facilities, and other related/assigned tasks.

May assist in felling trees due to safety issues, disease and/or timber harvesting operations.

Performs wood construction, electrical, and mechanical-related tasks in support of research and operations.

Assists research personnel with research project implementation.

Performs farm labor in support of research and agricultural operations.

Performs other duties deemed necessary by supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma or GED

Experience:

2 years of combined farm, forestry, logging, natural resources and landscaping experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of agricultural operations and natural resources.

Ability to operate and service specialized agricultural and heavy equipment.

Ability to recognize equipment or maintenance problems.

Ability to accurately record data related to equipment maintenance and service schedules.

Ability to perform agricultural/manual labor in inclement weather conditions, including tree felling operations.

Self-motivated individual.

Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to successfully work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to professionally interact with those of varying backgrounds and education levels.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Work Location:

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

UT market range: MR04

Anticipated hiring range: $17-$18/hour

Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before May 22, 2026.

About The College/Department/Division:

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center is part of UT AgResearch within the UT Institute of Agriculture. It is one of ten AgResearch and Education Centers located throughout Tennessee. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Forest Resources AgResearch Center is composed of three forest units located in East and Middle TennesseeOak Ridge Forest, Cumberland Forest, and Highland Rim Forest.

The Center is a field research laboratory located on more than 11,400 acres. It is a regionally recognized leader in developing new technologies applicable to modern forestry and wildlife resources management and environmental stewardship.

The 2,204-acre Oak Ridge Forest in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is headquarters for the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center. Established in 1964, this forest is unique in that, other than the traditional function of conducting forestry and wildlife research on the total property, 250 acres are identified as an Arboretum with a mission of public education and public service. This area features interpretive nature trails and ecological points of interest. The Arboretum is a research, education and demonstration project with a collection of more than 2,500 native and exotic woody plant specimens.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employeesthe Volunteerswho uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine. Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!