Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities: corn, soybeans, wheat, straw, manure.

Fertilize crops by applying manure in field. 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 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. May assist with other general farm maintenance or repairs. Assist with livestock vaccination. Apply routine medications. Tend to cuts and bruises. Spray livestock with insecticide. Assist with livestock castration. Clip, brand, or tag animals. Perform general livestock and poultry care including but not limited to watering and feeding. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Install and remove levee gates. 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 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. Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of verifiable agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks including operating farm 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. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Clean driving record required. Workers must have a valid, insurable drivers license or be eligible to apply for same at no cost to the worker. Will be asked to drive vehicles for transporting workers, goods, or commodities on company business. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days of hire.