Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Operate agricultural, mechanized and power-driven equipment such as tractors and other equipment to harvest and irrigate crops of corn and alfalfa, store harvested crops, and spread and apply manure to agricultural fields as fertilizer; provide routine repairs and daily maintenance of equipment; load and unload crops or containers of materials, manually or using conveyors, hand trucks, forklifts, or transfer augers; attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors.

(August-October) Operate agricultural equipment to harvest corn and alfalfa crops; load, transport, and unload harvested crops for storage and feed processing; load and haul manure following the nutrient plan, apply onto the hayfields and harvested wheat fields, and record all application data daily.

(October-November) As corn is being harvested off the fields, agitate manure pits, load and haul manure onto the fields and apply to harvested corn fields following the guidance of the nutrient management plan. After the liquid portion of the manure pits is pumped off, begin the process of loading manure sludge that has accumulated on the bottom of the manure pits is to be hauled out and applied onto fields.

(November-December) After manure application is complete, thoroughly wash all manure pumping and hauling equipment utilizing high pressure steam cleaners and cold-water pressure washer equipment. Inspect all hoses, pumps and tankers for wear and needed maintenance. Winterize all manure application equipment and store in proper storage facility.

Special Requirements

Must have valid, regular driver's license or be able to obtain one upon hire date. Ability to read and write and follow maps for road and field boundaries. Ability to troubleshoot and conduct relatively minor equipment repairs and daily maintenance. Minimum driving experience with either automobile, truck or motorized vehicle. Must have basic comprehension of highway safety to facilitate the moving of equipment between fields on public roadways.