Farmworker/ Equipment Operator

Job description

Workers will primarily operate farm trucks and agricultural equipment in support of crop production, harvest, and grain handling activities. Workers will operate farm trucks to transport harvested crops from the employer’s fields to the employer’s grain hopper, on-farm storage bins, or local grain elevators as part of normal agricultural operations. A valid driver’s license is required for workers who will operate trucks. A CDL is preferred if a worker is eligible to obtain one; however, it is not required for the position and workers will primarily operate non-CDL farm trucks used within the agricultural operation.

Workers will also operate and maintain agricultural equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, tillers, combines, grain carts, grain elevators, sprayers, and other farm machinery used in row crop production. Equipment will be used for soil preparation, planting, cultivation, crop maintenance, harvesting, and grain handling operations. Workers may operate tractors and grain carts to transfer harvested crops from combines to trucks or storage facilities. Workers will load and unload grain trucks and carts and assist with grain transfer into bins, hoppers, and elevators.

Workers may climb ladders and access grain bins to monitor grain levels, inspect stored grain, and assist with routine grain management activities. Workers must follow all safety procedures when operating farm equipment, trucks, and grain handling systems. Safe operation of agricultural equipment and vehicles is mandatory.

Additional duties may include assisting with irrigation systems, repairing and maintaining fences and water lines, performing general maintenance and upkeep of equipment and farm infrastructure, cleaning and maintaining work areas and equipment, and performing other general farm duties necessary to support the employer’s agricultural operation.

Workers must have at least three (3) months of verifiable experience operating large agricultural equipment within a crop production operation, including tractors up to 500 horsepower. Workers must demonstrate the ability to safely operate farm equipment and agricultural vehicles used in crop production and harvest operations.

Drug testing may be conducted post-hire at the employer’s expense to ensure the safety of workers, equipment, and agricultural machinery operated as part of the job duties.

Workers should anticipate to work 70+ hours during the harvest.

Special Requirements

Hours listed in Section A.6 are the anticipated hours to be worked. The employer may request additional work hours based on weather conditions, crop delay, pests or disease, crop yield, available labor, and or productivity. Use of electronic devices during work hours is restricted to emergencies only.