Citrus And Berry Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Blueberries and Citrus.
Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays):
Operate agricultural equipment to plant, cultivate, maintain, and harvest blueberries and citrus. Mow, cut, and weed fields, orchards, and surrounding farm grounds. 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 John Deere tractors, dozers, planters, mowers, plows, sprayers, cultivators, power shears, chainsaws, bobcats, skid loaders, high lifts, and trucks or other vehicles. Worker must be able to operate all John Deere tractors and implements used in the employer's operation.

Operate self-propelled, over-the-row mechanical blueberry harvesting machines (Finefield Harvy 500 or similar). Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery. Adjust travel speed, shaking frequency, and speeds of cutters, blowers, and conveyors, and height of picking head. Monitor crate and destacker systems, fruit flow, and fruit quality during machine harvest operations.

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.

Perform maintenance work in blueberry and citrus fields including mowing, cutting, weeding, and pruning support.

Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches.

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 footwear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, 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. 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.

Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required after a worker has an accident at work. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days following hire.

Applicants must be able to furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third-party documentation from recent employer(s) establishing acceptable prior experience. 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 field work experience handling tasks including operating agricultural equipment, including the operation of John Deere tractors and implements. Verifiable experience operating self-propelled, over-the-row mechanical blueberry harvesters (Finefield Harvy 500 or similar) is required. Applicants must be able to furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third-party documentation from recent employer(s) establishing acceptable prior experience. PSaturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employer-paid post-accident drug testing required. Must be 18 or older. Driver's license required. Stoop, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods of time. Sit for prolonged periods of time on tractor or truck. Work will be performed in inclement weather conditions.