Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

The agricultural equipment operator position includes duties associated with the pre-harvest activities of watermelon, onions and row crops. Workers will assist in the operation of implements of husbandry such as tractors, farm equipment, towing tractor implements/extensions/accessories, and operation of tractor trailers in order to complete assigned tasks as well as provide general labor support and conduct duties associated with the pre-harvest support and maintenance. Workers will perform routine maintenance on pre-harvesting equipment, harvesting equipment, and any other equipment utilized by the employer during their season. This work will require standing, walking, stooping, bending, climbing, sitting, frequent mounting and dismounting off equipment, lifting up to 50 pounds, along with time outdoors in all weather conditions. It also includes adherence to instructions given in the proper procedures & techniques to be used in the operation of the equipment and completion of tasks. Workers are expected to use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as required by task including the use of seatbelt at all times when operating a tractor.

As instructed, workers while walking or operating implements of husbandry will mix and load into solution tank and apply in combination and/or alone herbicides, fungicides, essential plant nutrients, insecticides, beneficial microbes solution to growing areas, service areas, roads, drainage ditches, fences, internal reservoir areas, dikes and natural areas. As instructed worker will pull by hand, stomp down and spray solution, hoe, shovel, scuffle hoe, weeds and vines from growing areas, service areas, roads, drainage ditches, fences, internal reservoir areas, dikes and natural areas. Workers will clean, remove and properly dispose of garbage, tree limbs, stumps, from growing areas. Some of these tasks will require worker repetitious lifting, stooping, kneeling, and bending over and or repetitious dismounting and mounting of implements of husbandry.

Workers must use care when performing their farm work duties and exercise consciousness. Workers must adhere to all safety rules as instructed by their supervisors and all farm work operations must meet the standards and specifications given by the employer. Workers will be instructed in the safety and operation of the vehicle/equipment before operating. All vehicles should be driven in a manner to protect workers, in-field crops, and equipment. Operators should ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before operating. The use of all necessary PPE and safety equipment including wearing of seatbelt at all times when operating farm equipment is mandatory. The vehicles that the workers may operate include tractors, tractor-trailers, sprayers, forklifts and minivans. Workers may assist with the repair, service, and maintenance of farm equipment including the prep, cleaning, lubrication, assembly, inspection, dismantling of equipment parts.

Watermelon
Workers will be expected to perform all tasks associated with growing watermelons. Drive tractors to perform all field work discing, plowing, bedding, installing drip irrigation, installing plastic mulch, and cultivate the crop. Workers will be expected to irrigate the crop, spray if needed, mowing and maintenance around field.

Onion
Workers will be expected to perform all tasks associated with growing onions. field prep work, planting irrigation and cultivating.

Row Crops
Workers will be expected to perform all the tasks associated with growing row crops (corn, beans cotton). Drive tractors to perform these tasks. Discing, chiseling, planting, cultivating, spray, drive combine harvester.

Special Requirements

Employer may conduct criminal background checks post-employment and at the employer's expense.

Employer may conduct drug/alcohol testing post-employment and at the employer's expense.