Field Maintenance Technician at Lurvey in Whitewater, WI

Job Description

Field Maintenance Technician

Lurvey Sod Farm LLC

Position Title

Field Maintenance Technician

Reports To

• Production Manager
• General Manager

Position Summary

The Field Maintenance Technician is responsible for supporting the production, maintenance, irrigation, planting, and harvesting operations of Lurvey Sod Farm. This position plays an important role in maintaining healthy, high-quality sod fields and ensuring that field operations are carried out efficiently throughout the growing season.

The Field Maintenance Technician assists with field preparation, sod establishment, mowing, irrigation management, harvest support, equipment operation, and ongoing field maintenance activities. This individual works closely with the Production Manager and General Manager to monitor field conditions, identify weeds and disease concerns, maintain irrigation systems, and support the successful production of sod crops.

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, operating agricultural equipment, and learning the various aspects of turfgrass production and farm operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Field Preparation & Sod Establishment

• Operate tractors and agricultural equipment to prepare fields for sod planting.
• Perform cultivation, tillage, grading, and seedbed preparation activities.
• Assist with planting and establishment of new sod fields.
• Prepare harvested sod fields for future crop production.
• Assist with field renovation projects following harvest operations.
• Support ongoing improvements to field conditions and production efficiency.

Sod Production & Field Maintenance

• Maintain sod fields throughout the growing season.
• Operate mowing equipment and maintain mowing schedules established by the Production Manager.
• Monitor turf quality, density, color, and overall field appearance.
• Perform general field maintenance activities to promote healthy growth and harvest-ready turf.
• Assist with fertilization and other cultural practices as directed.
• Support field operations before, during, and after sod harvest.

Irrigation Operations

• Operate and maintain irrigation systems including:
  • Center Pivot Irrigation Systems
  • Wheel-Line Irrigation Systems
  • Water Cannon Irrigation Systems
• Monitor field moisture levels and irrigation effectiveness.
• Inspect irrigation equipment and report deficiencies.
• Assist with irrigation repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Help ensure efficient water utilization and proper field coverage.
• Communicate irrigation concerns to the Production Manager.

Field Monitoring & Crop Health

• Routinely inspect fields for:
  • Weed infestations
  • Disease symptoms
  • Insect activity
  • Turf stress
  • Irrigation concerns
• Communicate observations and recommendations to the Production Manager.
• Assist in identifying areas requiring treatment or additional attention.
• Help maintain field conditions that support high-quality sod production.

Harvest Operations Support

• Assist harvest crews as needed during peak harvest periods.
• Operate harvest-related equipment when trained and authorized.
• Assist with staging and movement of harvested sod.
• Support efficient harvesting operations while maintaining product quality.
• Serve as a backup semi-truck operator for moving trailers into and out of fields and transporting trailers to designated staging or parking locations.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

Operate and maintain various farm equipment including:

• Tractors
• Sod Harvesters
• Forklifts
• Pickup Trucks
• ATVs and Utility Vehicles
• Bulldozers
• Irrigation Equipment
• Agricultural Implements

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting pre-operation inspections.
• Performing routine maintenance checks.
• Cleaning and caring for equipment.
• Reporting mechanical issues promptly.
• Following safe operating procedures at all times.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Operate equipment safely and responsibly.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Comply with agricultural, environmental, and transportation regulations applicable to assigned duties.
• Participate in safety meetings and training programs.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Agricultural, technical, or vocational education preferred.

Experience

• Experience in agriculture, sod farming, farming, landscaping, turf management, or related industries preferred.
• Experience operating tractors and agricultural equipment preferred.
• Irrigation operation or maintenance experience is beneficial but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to safely operate agricultural and heavy equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to identify weeds, disease symptoms, and field maintenance concerns.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver's License required.
• CDL preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain additional certifications as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb frequently.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to work extended hours during planting, irrigation, and harvest seasons.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality and appearance of maintained sod fields.
• Irrigation system performance and effectiveness.
• Completion of field maintenance activities on schedule.
• Equipment care and maintenance compliance.
• Accuracy and timeliness of reporting field conditions.
• Safety performance.
• Attendance, reliability, and teamwork.
• Support of successful harvest and production operations.

Why Join Lurvey Sod Farm?

Lurvey Sod Farm is a family-owned and operated business that has proudly served customers since 1978. For nearly five decades, we have built our reputation on hard work, quality products, strong customer relationships, and a commitment to our employees.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a supportive, family-oriented environment where employees are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. We take pride in developing long-term careers and promoting from within whenever possible.

Employee Benefits May Include:

• Competitive compensation
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan (401(k))
• Company-Sponsored Training & Development
• Advancement Opportunities
• Stable, Year-Round Employment
• Family-Oriented Work Environment

At Lurvey Sod Farm, you will play an important role in a growing agricultural operation while building valuable skills in sod production, irrigation management, equipment operation, and field maintenance.

Compensation

Starting Wage: Competitive and based on experience and qualifications.

Typical Range: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour, depending on agricultural experience, equipment operation skills, irrigation experience, and CDL qualifications.

Opportunities for advancement are available, including career paths into production management and other leadership roles within the organization.