Senior Farm Equipment Operator, Cumberland Forest: Forest Resources AgResearch & Education Center - UTIA

This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and safe use of farm equipment, as well as performing a variety of field-related duties in support of the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center – UT Cumberland Forest. The role ensures that equipment and land resources are managed efficiently to support research, teaching, and demonstration activities. By providing critical operational support, this position advances the Center’s overall productivity and contributes to the fulfillment of the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission.

• Operates, monitors, and performs routine maintenance on specialized farm and forestry equipment, including tractors with implements, commercial mowers, field vehicles, log trucks, and dump trucks.
• Assists with facility upkeep and general maintenance tasks to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Supports research personnel with project setup, implementation, and ongoing maintenance needs.
• Assists with tree felling when necessary, due to safety concerns, disease management, or timber harvesting operations.
• Performs carpentry, electrical, mechanical, and related tasks in support of research, facilities, and field operations.
• Completes other related duties as assigned to support the mission of the Center.

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.
  • Ability to work well with others on a daily basis.
  • Self-motivated individual.
  • Valid driver’s license
  • CDL license within 6 months of hire date
  • Lift up to 50 lbs

Our Ideal Candidate Would Have:

• Education: 
  • Trade School certification
• Experience: 
  • 3 Years of forestry or farm operations field work
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
  • CDL license
  • Follow written and oral instructions
  • Ability to work in varying outdoor environments.
  • Work independently and with supervision. 

Work Location:

• Location: 
  • Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center
    515 Cassell Road
    Oliver Springs, TN 37840
• Onsite 

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR04
• 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.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center 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 Tennessee–Oak 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 Cumberland Forest, establishe