Agricultural Equipment Operator/ Farmworker

Job description

Workers will perform duties related to agricultural equipment operation, hay production, livestock care, and general ranch labor in support of seasonal farm and cattle operations in Texas from August through May. Workers must have at least 3 months of verifiable experience operating tractors of 55 horsepower or greater and other agricultural equipment used in hay and ranch operations.

August through October: Workers will prepare and maintain hay fields by operating tractors, balers, mowers, swathers, rakes, loaders, and other farm equipment used for mowing, raking, baling, hauling, stacking, and transporting hay and forage materials. Workers will assist with irrigation activities, maintain field conditions, repair fencing, maintain water troughs, and perform general ranch upkeep. Workers may also assist with feeding and watering livestock and monitoring cattle health and condition.

November through January: Workers will continue hay handling and livestock support activities, including feed distribution, moving hay, maintaining stored forage, and assisting with cattle care. Duties may include maintaining pens, fences, gates, water troughs, and ranch facilities, as well as cleaning, inspecting, and performing minor repairs on farm equipment and irrigation systems. Workers may assist with winter preparation activities and maintaining safe access to operational areas during inclement weather.

February through May: Workers will assist with spring field preparation and hay production activities, including plowing, disking, planting, irrigating, fertilizing, mowing, and other field maintenance duties. Workers will continue operating agricultural equipment and assisting with livestock operations, including feeding, watering, checking cattle for general health, assisting during calving activities as needed, and maintaining clean livestock areas.

Throughout the contract period, workers will safely operate agricultural equipment and perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, mud, and icy conditions. Workers must be capable of lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds and performing all duties assigned by the employer that are consistent with agricultural equipment operation, hay production, livestock care, and general ranch labor.

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.