Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

Drive tractors and balers, and operate other mechanized farm equipment to plant, cultivate, and harvest grain and hay. Perform manual and mechanized tasks including but not limited to: bushhogging fields; disking; aerating; seeding (using mechanical drills and seeders); fertilizing, weed spraying, mowing, tedding, raking, baling, and stacking. Operate grain carts.

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, high lifts, and trucks or other vehicles.

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, by way of example, and not limited to fences, grain storage facilities, general equipment, and buildings.

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.

Workers must operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer's products, and property. Failure to comply with safety requirements and operating instructions may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

As a minor activity, attend to livestock. Duties may include feeding, watering, herding, dehorning, weighing, catching, and loading animals. May maintain records on animals; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; assist in birth deliveries; and administer medications, vaccinations, or insecticides as appropriate. May clean and maintain animal housing areas. General livestock knowledge is a plus.

Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable footwear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity, and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours may vary. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements.
Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may be required to drive company vehicles. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers.
Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex, or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks associated with production of grain or hay. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Additional hours may be offered during planting and harvesting times. Endure extensive sitting, walking, prolonged bending and reaching, continuous lifting and carrying of up to 60 lbs., working in extremely hot, cold and/or wet weather. Workers must understand and abide by all safety protocol. Must be 18 or older.