Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Farmwork: sugarcane.
Cultivate and harvest sugarcane. Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, grain auger, and self propelled machinery. Follow harvester on foot through field picking up dropped cane. Assist in preparing fields for planting. Worker will unload pre-cut sugarcane stalks that measure 6-10 feet long from supply wagon at fields. Work in groups to plant sugarcane while walking behind moving wagon. Place and straighten stalk segments into open furrow rows at specified intervals/overlaps. Use machetes to chop stalks into 24-36 inch lengths. Ride, walk, stoop, bend, reach, chop or kneel repetitively while planting sugarcane by hand for prolonged periods of time. Use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers and knives. Dig ditches with a shovel and clear ditches for drainage. Till soil; transplant, weed, and thin crops; clean, pack and load harvested products. Ensure that hopper is filled and emptied properly. Workers may plant sugarcane and plant and harvest soybeans. Construct trellises and repair fences and farm buildings. Walk fields to check on and maintain adequate water supply to crops. Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops. Clean, repair and maintain farm vehicles, machinery, specialized machinery and agricultural equipment, including grain augers associated with module packers. Clean in and around work areas for inspection. Perform general farm maintenance including weed and grass control. Assist in Good Agricultural Practices policies. Workers will inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position 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

Three months of verifiable experience operating agricultural equipment applicable to planting, cultivating or harvesting sugarcane is required. Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Sit, walk, stoop, bend, reach, chop, push, pull, and kneel for prolonged periods of time while planting sugarcane. Work outside in extremely hot, cold, and/ or wet weather. Requires physical stamina. Employer is a drug free workplace. Drug testing is conducted post hire at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.