Ag Equipment Operator

Job description

Drive tractors, harvesters, and operate other mechanized farm equipment to plant, cultivate, and harvest grain, silage, haylage, sugar beets and/or oilseed crops. 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 dump wagons and grain carts. Maintain bunk silos.

Fertilize crops by applying manure in fields. Operate towed machines including, but not limited to, manure tanks, dragline application toolbars, hose reel carts and hose hustlers. Drive tractors/trucks and operate heavy farm equipment to apply manure to fields. Agitate and transfer manure into lagoons or pits. Lay hose from farm to dragline in field in safe and efficient manner via tractors and hose reel carts. Monitor high pressure hose and pump engines while transferring manure from farm to dragline. Hook up tank trailers to holding tank. Utilize excavation equipment to close lagoons. Clean/sanitize equipment.

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 headers, platforms and other 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. General understanding of hydraulic systems and ability to pay attention to detail is a must. May assist with other general farm maintenance or repairs, including bunk silos.

Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Install and maintain drainage tile.

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 the 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.

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 is 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.
Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use and after a worker has an accident at work.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of verifiable agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks including operating agricultural equipment. Applicants must be able to furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third-party documentation from recent employer(s) establishing acceptable prior 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, and working in an elevated environment. Workers must understand and abide by all safety protocols. Must be 18 or older. Employer is a Drug Free Workplace. Drug testing is conducted upon suspicion and post-accident at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.