West Central Research and Outreach Center

Now hiring at WCROC in Morris!

The West Central Research and Outreach Center is hiring a full-time General Mechanic. This is a 12-month, continuing position represented by Teamsters Local 320.

This position supports maintenance and repair of WCROC facilities, livestock facilities, buildings, grounds, equipment, and production farming operations.

Starting pay: $23.90/hour
Job ID: 373340

Apply online at hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job and search Job ID 373340.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

☀️ SUMMER JOBS IN MORRIS: Join the WCROC Team!
The West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is looking for a hardworking individual to join our Agriculture & Maintenance crew for the summer! 🚜🌾

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a research environment while working outdoors with our livestock and agronomy teams.

Quick Facts:
*Pay: $15.25 - $18.00 / hour
*Job ID: 367198
*Duties: Facility maintenance (50%), livestock care (30%), and agronomy assistance (20%).
*Requirements: High school grad with a valid driver’s license.

📍 Where: WCROC Morris, MN
✅ Apply Now: Search Job ID 367198 at z.umn.edu/WCROCsummerjobs
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

We’re Hiring: Agronomy Supervisor! 🌾
Join the UMN WCROC team in Morris! Lead our 1,100-acre research farm and support innovation in dairy, swine, and renewable energy.
💰 Pay: $29.25 – $31.25/hr + full UMN benefits.
📍 Location: Morris, MN
✅ Apply: employment.umn.edu
🔍 Search Job ID: 372712

This WCROC sunset captures both the beauty of the prairie and the promise of renewable energy. Photo by Adrienne Hilbrands.

Cold day, bright skies, and a breathtaking sun dog over the WCROC. This beautiful optical phenomenon forms when sunlight refracts through ice crystals in the air, a perfect reminder of how science and nature meet every day here.
📸 Photo courtesy of Emily Moore, Horticulture Director.

Thank you to everyone who supported WCROC on Give to the Max Day! 💛🌾
Because of you, we raised $1,250 for the Rising Agriculturalist Internship, creating hands-on learning opportunities for future leaders in agriculture.

Your generosity also honors the legacy of Harley E. Hanke, whose lifelong dedication to Minnesota agriculture continues to inspire our work.

If you’d still like to support student internships, our campaign remains open through December 31:

Donate here: https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/2938

Thank you for giving to the max and lifting up the next generation of agriculturalists! 🌾

It’s 7:00 PM and we’re making one final push! We are so close to reaching our goal for the Harley E. Hanke Scholarship Fund, and every gift tonight helps us finish strong.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to support the Rising Agriculturalist Internship — this is it.

Give here:
https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/2938

Thank you for lifting up our students and the future of agriculture. 🌾💛

We’re only $745 from our goal! Thank you to everyone who has supported the Rising Agriculturalist Internship through the Harley E. Hanke Scholarship Fund today — your generosity is incredible.

There’s still time to give, and every gift helps us reach (and even exceed) our goal.

Give Now: https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/2938

“The WCROC enhanced my educational experience… I became well-rounded in all stages of swine production and real-world management.”
— Julia Holen, former WCROC graduate student

Your gift today helps create tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.
Thank you for giving to the max! 💛🌾

Still time to give on this Give to the Max Day! 💛🌾
We’re working toward our WCROC goal today, and every gift helps support hands-on ag learning through the Harley E. Hanke Ag Experience Fund.

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, here’s the link:
https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/2938

Thank you for helping us grow the next generation of ag leaders! 🌻🐖🐄☀️🌬️

I'm supporting University of Minnesota Foundation! Crowdfunding for University of Minnesota causes

Today, on Give to the Max Day, we’re honored to celebrate the legacy of Harley Hanke, a beloved WCROC animal scientist, mentor, and friend to farmers across Minnesota.

Harley served at the WCROC from 1956 to 1986, and even at 102 years old, he was still cheering on the next generation of agricultural leaders. In February 2024, he was recognized at the Minnesota State Capitol for his lifetime of service and impact.

To continue his work, the Harley E. Hanke Ag Experience Fund was created to support student internships and hands-on livestock learning at the WCROC, which Harley cared deeply about.

If you’d like to honor his legacy today, here is our Give to the Max link:
https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/2938

Harley believed in investing in students and helping farmers grow. Your gift keeps that spirit alive. 💛🌾