Ag Equip Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
corn and hay, Sorghum, wheat, cattle.
Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays):
Drive tractors and balers, and operate other mechanized farm equipment to plant, cultivate, and harvest grain, hay,corn, sorghum and/or wheat. Perform manual and mechanized tasks including but not limited to: bushhogging fields; disking; aerating; seeding (using mechanical drills and seeders); fertilizing, weed spraying, mowing, tedding, raking, baling, and stacking. Operate grain carts.

Mow, cut, and weed fields including lawn maintenance & weeding whooping. 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. Construction/concerte work in conjunction to the primary agricultural duties of the farm. Manure hauling/spreading. Clean/take out trash when necessary.

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.

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.
Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.
Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours may vary. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker’s ability to perform the job. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements.

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. Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may drive company vehicles. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may transport other workers to-and-from employer's provided housing directly to worksites each day and transporting workers around employer’s farm during the workday and possibly carrying equipment/supplies and this may involve the worker(s)

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks including operating heavy agricultural 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 is typically every other Saturday, if farm is harvesting crops/doing field work Saturdays are required by all employees in order to get crops in before weather changes. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing required. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days of hire.