Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Workers will perform assign duties as instructed by their supervisor.
Agriculture Equipment Operator to operate equipment used to harvest crops and prepare the land for planting. Worker will operate power equipment including but not limited to: tractors, planters, general tillage equipment, mowers, plows, sprayers, cultivators, power shears, chain saws, fork lifts, skid loaders, and pickup trucks. Must operate agricultural equipment safely, with or without discretion in a manner that protects the operator, other employees, crops, trees, facilities, and equipment. Apply pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other crop protectants. Mix and apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatment at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs. May perform work in shop as incident to or in conjunction with such farming operation. Maintain harvest equipment, perform maintenance, fabrication, and other mechanical tasks on vehicles, production equipment, packing equipment, tractors, wagons, and farming implements
Must be able to reach, bend and lift items weighing 70 pounds. Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Workers who have a clean driving record and proper licensing may be asked to operate vehicles on and of the farm to transport farm equipment, crops, operate forklifts and equipment used to move supplies and harvesting equipment in the field.
The alternative work if needed will be to assist with general farm work such as weeding, lay plastics, field clean up, checking on irrigation systems, etc.

The worker in order to perform this kind of work must be able to work outside for at least 6 hours a day in all kinds of weather and be in a possession of the requisite physical strength and endurance, working quickly and skillfully with their hands repeatedly. The employer will provide the tools necessary (if applicable) to perform the described job duties without charge to the worker. Employer may deduct the reasonable cost of damages and/or replacement of tools and/or equipment if such repair or replacement results from willful neglect or gross negligence after the damage has occurred and after gaining the employee's written authorization to make the deduction.

Employees may volunteer to work additional hours when work is available, there is a possibility that available work hours will be in excess of 20% of the hours offered by they are not guarantee. Workers should expect occasional periods of little or no work because of weather, crop or other conditions beyond the employer’s control. These periods can occur any time throughout the season. If workers request a leave of absence during the contract period, if the worker has been offered an opportunity to work, the hours will be deducted from the hours offered under the ETA-790 for the purposes of the three-quarter guarantee.

A copy of the work contract or a copy of the ETA 790 in lieu of a work contract, and any modifications, will be provided to the H-2A worker no later than the time at which the worker applies for the Visa, or to a worker in corresponding employment, no later than on the day work commences. For an H-2A worker going from an H-2A employer to a subsequent H-2A employer, a copy of the contract will be provided no later than the time an offer of employment is made by the subsequent H-2A employer.

Special Requirements

This type of work, involves working conditions that require tremendous stamina, a high level of physical activity in cold or extremely hot conditions in direct sunlight and in adverse weather such as rain. The work requires a high level of physical conditioning.