Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
hay, grass silage, rye grass silage and corn (sorghum silage).
Operate, service and maintain self-propelled custom class harvesting farm equipment to process and harvest a variety of crops. Operate farm tractors used for pushing and packing crops and loaders. Adjust speeds of cutters, blowers and conveyors and the height of the harvesting platform, using hand tools when necessary. Change harvesting platform as appropriate for crop and prepares for transport. Service machinery and make in-field repairs. Service would include lubrication of grease points, and inspection and maintenance of fluid levels, tire air pressures, belt and conveyer chain tensions, radiator and filter function and brake performance. Repairs would include removal and replacement of tires, wheels, bearings, belts, wear parts, filters, brake shoes, wheel seals, suspension parts, lights and lenses and chain or chain links. Work may also include mechanized field work using power equipment. By way of example and not limitation power equipment may include tractors, planters, sprayers, cultivators, grain augers and other equipment. Must be able to operate, maintain and repair agricultural equipment with or without direction. Load/unload trailers. Load, unload, and handle products and harvest machinery carefully to prevent damage.

Work is done in the field for long periods of time. Workers may assist in handling product weighing up to 60 pounds and lifting to a height of 5 feet. Workers must work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Work required in fields when plants are wet with dew and rain, and may be required during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours can range from 10 to over 100 degrees F. 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. Workers should be able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations.

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 timely and proficient manner without close supervision. Workers must obey all safety rules and basic instructions and be able to recognize, understand and comply with safety, pesticide warning/re-entry and other essential postings. Workers must operate equipment, with or without direction, in a manner that protects operator, visitors, other workers, products, trees, crops and equipment. Failure to comply with safety requirements and operating instructions may result in termination.

Employer requires all newly-hired employees to take and pass an employer-paid drug test before starting work. Drug test not required for prospective applicants prior to hiring decision. Tests are conducted after the initial employment offer has been extended and accepted. Workers testing positive will be immediately terminated and paid for all hours worked between the first date of employment and the date of termination, if any. In the case of a non-local or foreign worker who is terminated for failure to pass a drug test, the employer will arrange least-cost transportation to the worker's place of recruitment, at the worker's expense. The employer will also test at random, upon reasonable suspicion of use, and after a worker has an accident at work.

Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of prior verifiable experience operating, servicing and maintaining farm equipment and tractors associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all duties with accuracy and efficiency. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing required.