Agricultural Equipment Operator/truck Driver

Job description

We are a family farm in Western Kansas seeking an experienced farm operator. The farm comprises 10,000 dryland acres and 1,900 irrigated corn acres and uses modern agricultural equipment. The operator's responsibilities include crop planting, harvesting, spraying, post-harvest handling of grain, and general maintenance. The job is seasonal, with reduced farming activities in winter. The job duties entail a wide range of responsibilities, including preparing fields for planting, operating a variety of farm equipment such as tractors, planters, sprayers, and irrigation systems, engaging in planting, weeding, spraying, and harvesting activities, as well as fertilizing, dusting, and spraying crops. Other tasks involve loading and unloading crops or materials using various equipment such as conveyors, hand trucks, forklifts, or transfer augers, and installing, maintaining, and repairing pivot irrigation systems. Additionally, the job includes recording agricultural data, driving trucks to haul crops, supplies, and tools, inspecting and maintaining equipment, following state and federal regulations, maneuvering trucks into loading or unloading positions, obtaining receipts or signatures for delivered goods, operating equipment such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or GPS systems to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers, and performing basic vehicle maintenance tasks such as adding oil, fuel, or performing minor repairs. Furthermore, it involves planning or adjusting routes based on changing conditions, reporting vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles, and securely fastening cargo for transport using various securing methods. The ideal candidate for the farm operator position should have extensive experience in row crop planting, harvesting, spraying, and record-keeping, with a proficiency in operating John Deere equipment. Knowledge of GPS guidance equipment is preferred, along with the ability to operate a grain bin system. The applicant should also demonstrate the capability to perform routine maintenance and general repairs on equipment. Knowledge of irrigation equipment is preferred, along with strong communication skills, self-motivation, a positive attitude, dependability, and the ability to work well with others. Employer may provide pay increases for performance, longevity and/or experience at employer?s discretion. Employer may provide performance bonuses at the end of the contract at the employer?s discretion.

*** For 2025 and all future applications the starting date will be February15 to cover the entire crop season.

Special Requirements

Must be able to lift 100 lbs. Must have a Class A CDL or equivalent or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire. Job requires 3 months farm experience.