Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Plant, cultivate and harvest rice, cotton, corn, wheat and soybeans. Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops. Till soil and weed crops. Perform manual shovel work. Load harvested products. Use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, knives, grain scoops and brooms. Check rice fields daily for water levels. Complete end of season draining of fields with shovel. Receive rice crop for drying and storage at drying facility. Clean grain storage bins and surrounding site according to state requirements. Dispose of spoiled grain from pit and elevator area. Workers will unload grain bins and load into trucks. Chop grass out of fields. Clear and maintain irrigation ditches. Load cotton bales, pick up and load loose cotton. Hand chop and rogue cotton. Assist with mechanical planting of crops, ensuring that hoppers are filled properly. Repair fences, farm buildings and grain bins. Participate in irrigation activities including setting up and operating irrigation equipment. Repair, maintain and operate farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment. Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress. Identify plants, pests, and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers. Apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Perform farm, field and shed sanitation duties. Record information about crops, such as pesticide use, yields, or costs. Drive trucks to haul crops, supplies, tools, or farm workers on or off the farm.

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. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

TERMINATION. Prior to any termination for cause, employer evaluates workers' performance of required tasks and compliance with Work Rules and other employer policies. Employer may terminate a worker for cause if the worker's performance consistently and/or substantially fails to satisfy the employer's reasonable expectations (in accordance with the criteria set forth herein), or otherwise engages in serious or egregious misconduct that endangers health, safety, or property. In assessing whether workers' performance meets reasonable expectations, employer evaluates, among other reasonable criteria, whether the worker: (1) has adequately complied with the Work Rules and any other policies or procedures; (2) has complied with all health and safety guidelines, including the use of tools or equipment in accordance with best practices to protect the employer's property, crops, and in a manner that avoids injury or damage; (3) has treated company property (tools, equipment, crops, fixtures, etc.

Special Requirements

Three months farmwork experience required. Perform prolonged bending, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, and lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs. Workers must climb 90 ft. ladders and work in elevated environments at grain storage and grain elevators. Most job duties require workers to work in extreme temperatures ranging from approximately 30-100 degrees in wet or dry conditions. Must be 18 or older. Hazardous Occupation. Employer is a drug-free workplace. Drug testing is conducted post-hire at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.