Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Perform manual labor to plant, cultivate and harvest soybeans, rice, wheat and corn by hand or machine. Operate farm vehicles, equipment, tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, grain auger, and self propelled machinery. Rogue rice fields by walking fields on foot when fields are under full flood to remove undesirable off type rice varieties and other indigenous off type plants from each field for purity of variety in rice seed production. These fields must pass inspection by the Mississippi Seed Improvement Association. Walking each field is required. Rogue soybean and corn fields by walking fields on foot to remove undesirable off type soybean varieties and unacceptable weeds using a hoe, shovel or machete. Install and remove rice levee gates with shovel. Rice levee must be maintained. Put down spillway openings, drain excess water, remove levee gates and regulate proper water depth in rice fields. Water soybean and corn fields using a shovel, hoe and poly pipe. Rice, soybean, wheat and corn crops must be checked to maintain adequate water supply. Climb grain bins to remove and secure top, work on stirring device, elevator and augers. Clean intake openings on pumps under water. Use brooms, blowers, shovels and vacuum cleaning devices to clean grain bins, trucks, pits, rice carts, combines and other equipment to comply with stringent seed production inspection standards by the state. Use mowers and weed eaters around wells, buildings, farm equipment and grain bins. Operate, repair, and maintain basic farm equipment. Set up and maintain irrigation equipment for flood and furrows irrigation on all crops. Workers with a valid license and doctor’s certificate may transport other workers in vehicles provided and insured by the employer and be offered additional hours. Assist with Good Agricultural Practices policies.

Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker’s ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker’s Sabbath or federal holidays. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

Workers should expect occasional periods of little or no work because of weather, crop or other conditions beyond the employer's control. These periods can occur anytime throughout the season. Workers may be assigned a variety of duties in any given day and different tasks on different days.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a two day introductory period, during which the employer will evaluate workers' performance of required tasks. Employer reserves the right to terminate a worker at the conclusion of the introductory period if the worker’s performance fails to satisfy the employer’s reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable. Employer may terminate a worker for lawful job-related reasons, including but not limited to situations in which the worker: (1) Is repeatedly absent or tardy; (2) malingers or otherwise refuses, without cause, to perform the work as directed; (3) commits act(s) of misconduct or repeatedly violates the Work Rules; and/or (4) fails, after completing the two day introductory period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectations.

Special Requirements

Three months of experience working in rice fields and agricultural equipment operation are required. Work in extremely hot, cold, and/or wet weather. Perform prolonged walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying of 50 lbs. Must be able to swim in water 10 ft deep in order to clean intake openings on pumps. Climb 35 ft. ladders on grain bins. Requires operation of computerized tractors and equipment. Valid drivers license is required. Hazardous occupation.