Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

Operate self-propelled custom class harvesting machines to harvest corn, cotton and peanuts. Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery. Adjust speeds of cutters, blowers, and conveyors and height of cutting head. Clean, adjust, repair, and perform routine service on equipment (e.g., lubricating grease points, inspecting and maintaining fluid levels, checking belt and conveyor tensions, and maintaining tires, wheels, bearings, belts, and other wear parts). Repair or replace defective parts. Attach farm implements (e.g., plows, harrows, discs, sprayers) using hand tools. May assist with other general farm maintenance or repairs. Load-unload trailers and product. Handle equipment and product carefully to prevent damage. Clean/maintain lights, windows, mirrors, and vehicle exterior on any/all equipment on farm. Add lubricants and fuel and DEF as needed for equipment. Perform preventative maintenance. Operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer’s products and property. Service heavy equipment and implements. Make in-field repairs. Operate, maintain and repair agricultural equipment with or without direction. Load seed into hoppers. Load cotton bales. Pick up and load loose cotton. Cover harvested peanuts with tarps. Mow, cut, and weed fields. Prepare and/or clear land for planting using mechanized or hand equipment to remove trash, rocks, or other debris or material that may interfere with planting or harvesting activities. Level land by moving dirt and other materials. Equipment may include tractors, dozers, planters, mowers, plows, sprayers, cultivators, power shears, chainsaws, bobcats, skid loaders and high lifts. Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs. Normal commercial row crop farming operation work. Normal farm indoor shop work will need to be performed at times also. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker's Sabbath or federal holidays. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break.

Special Requirements

Twelve months of experience operating heavy agricultural equipment is required. Work outdoors in inclement weather conditions. Work requires repetitive movements, frequent standing, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing/pulling and lifting, carrying and loading up to 50 lbs. Must be 21 years or older. Employer is a drug free workplace. Drug testing is conducted post-hire at the employers expense and is not part of the interview process.