Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
rice, soybeans, corn.
Performs a variety of manual tasks associated with the grain and oilseed production including planting, cultivating and harvesting of crops. Install and remove levee gates, assist with irrigation, clean bins and around barns, clean and maintain equipment, load and unload, pull samples, work in fields and shop. Upon occasion workers may be required to dig ditches and install water lines to sheds, barns, stock tanks and other structures on the farm. May apply agricultural chemicals: herbicides and insecticides, and apply fertilizer.

Work includes mechanized field work using power equipment. By way of example and not limitation power equipment may include tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, cultivators and other farm implements and equipment. Workers will be expected to be able to operate, maintain and repair agricultural equipment with or without direction.

Workers will assist in loading/unloading trucks with grain, seed and/or materials weighing up to and including 60 pounds. Workers must be able to lift such weights to a height of 5 feet over the course of the work day. Workers should be able to work on their feet for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers' ability to perform the job. Workers are exposed to wet weather early in the morning through the heat of the day, working in fields. Temperatures may range from 10 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Workers should be physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations.

In addition, workers may be required to perform variable tasks such as the following: irrigation, ditching, shoveling, hoeing, manual hauling, ground preparation, weeding and other tasks related to general farming.

Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days following hire. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers in a standard van or pick up.

Persons seeking employment as experienced agricultural equipment operator must be available for the entire period requested by the employer.

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. 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break.

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

This job requires a minimum of twelve months of prior experience working on a grain/oilseed farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain drivers license within 30 days following hire.