Posted August 19, 2026
Heavy Equipment Operator
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States 40502
Full Time
Reference: 286590725
University of Kentucky
Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.
Posting Details
Posting Details
| Job Title | Heavy Equipment Operator |
|---|---|
| Requisition Number | RE55474 |
| Working Title | |
| Department Name | 81270:Research Farms |
| Work Location | Lexington, KY |
| Grade Level | 40 |
| Salary Range | $15.61-24.99/hour |
| Type of Position | Staff |
| Position Time Status | Full-Time |
| Required Education | HS |
| Click here for more information about 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 |
Help Maintain the Infrastructure That Supports Agricultural Research and Education
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support the Research Farms division within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Based at the university’s 1,800-acre North Farm, this role plays an important part in maintaining facilities, supporting agricultural operations, and completing infrastructure projects that advance research, teaching, and Extension activities. The successful candidate will operate heavy equipment, perform routine maintenance, and help ensure farm facilities remain safe, functional, and ready to support a wide range of initiatives. What You’ll Do
What You’ll Bring
Minimum Requirements
What’s In It for You
Why Now? The North Farm serves as a critical resource for agricultural research, education, and Extension programs across the university. Maintaining roads, facilities, equipment, and operational infrastructure is essential to supporting the work of faculty, staff, students, and researchers. In this role, you’ll help ensure the farm remains a safe, efficient, and productive environment while contributing to projects that support the future of agriculture and innovation in Kentucky. 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 Class A CDL License |
| Deadline to Apply | 09/01/2026 |
| 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 (*).
- * 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 experience operating tractors, skid steer loaders, backhoes, road graders and/or dozers?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a valid Class A CDL (Commercial Drivers License), Or are you eligible and willing to obtain one within the first 90 days of employment?
- Yes, I have a valid Class A CDL
- No, I do not have a Class A CDL, but I am willing to obtain it within the first 90 days of employment.
- No, I do not have a Class A CDL and I am not willing to obtain it within the first 90days of employment.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI286590725