Heavy Equipment Operator

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title Heavy Equipment Operator Requisition Number RE54961 Working Title Department Name 81270:Research Farms Work Location North Farm, 2275 Turner Place, Lexington, KY 40511 Grade Level 40 Salary Range $15.30-24.50/hour Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

2 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Commercial Driver's License or Acquire a CDL within 90 days of employment.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift, push or pull objects up to 50lbs or more. May require sitting for long periods at time. Performing heavy equipment projects both on and off the farm, which would require transporting the piece of equipment to the job site. Able to work in varying climates outside.

Shift

Monday-Friday, 7:00am-4:00pm, 40 hrs/week, occasional overtime and possible weekend and Holidays required.

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for heavy equipment operations at the Research Farms facilities. This position also performs duties related to the general operation and maintenance of the North Farm to include but not limited to new installations of roadways and building sites, site renovations, demolition, land clearing, drainage ways, trucking, and other duties as needed.

About the Job

In addition to supporting research activities, this position assists with the operation, maintenance, and repair of facilities and equipment essential to daily farm operations. The position is based at the University of Kentucky's scenic 1,800-acre North Farm, located just north of Lexington. For more information about the Research Farms divisions, please click here.

Why Join Us

At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you'll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Exceptional benefits package.

• Accumulating Sick (TDL) leave of 12 days a year. Unused TDL accumulates year over year.

• Initial Vacation is 10 days yearly. Ability to earn up to 20 days with years of service.

• Paid holidays - 9 regular holidays plus 4 special days between Christmas & New Years.

• Tuition Assistance for you and your family.

• Exceptional affordable Health Insurance

• Work Life Balance - Full time work weeks are 40 hours. Overtime is minimal.

• A formal mentoring program to support your professional development

• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building

• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions

• A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning-where innovation meets impact.

For additional information about the Research Farm division please click here. To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience

Preferred CDL License

Deadline to Apply 07/15/2026 Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have experience operating tractors, skid steer loaders, backhoes, hustlers, and/or grazers?

• Yes

• No

• • How many years of maintenance experience do you have?

• None

• More than 0, up through 1 year

• More than 1 year, up through 3 years

• More than 3 years, up through 5 years

• More than 5 years

• • Do you have a valid CDL (Commercial Driver's License), or are you eligible and willing to obtain one within your first 90 days of employment?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter