Vineyard Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

*All job duties will be performed in the field and on a farm*

Operates and controls various types and sizes of tractors to:
• maintain fields by dicing and mowing
• apply chemicals to vines

Harvest duties include:
• move harvested grapes from the gondolas to the truck that transport them in the field
• harvest grapes
• drive tractors with light towers

The harvest season typically occurs between August and October but may vary based on weather and crop conditions.
Harvest grapes process: Workers will use a knife to cut grape bunches off grape vines and into a tub (also called a lug). The tub/lug is then dumped into a bin (also called a gondola). Workers will be driving the tractors with gondolas or tractors with lights while the crew harvests the grapes

*If tractor driving work isn’t available, driver may perform available field work at his/her regular rate of pay.

Essential Job Responsibilities
• Know the purpose of each equipment implement and its appropriate application
• Attach, adjust and detach implements as needed
• Perform daily safety check of tractor and implement
• Operate appropriate tractor with implements
• Avoid hitting obstacles, stakes, vines, wires, irrigation lines, etc.
• Report any such damage to supervisor
• Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions, wearing the appropriate respirator and personal protective equipment if required
• Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunction.
• Report any equipment malfunction to supervisor
• Remove any obstruction to avoid damage to product or machinery
• Observe and report any incomplete or incorrect field work or conditions

Physical Environment
• Work outdoors in extremes of heat/humidity/cold and other weather conditions
• Sit for extended periods of time with the ability to withstand vibration and frequent turning of the head
• Exposed to dust, noise, agricultural chemicals, gasoline, diesel fuel and solvents
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Job Requirements

Physical
• Good vision
• Good hearing
• Reasonable noise tolerance
• Reasonable dust tolerance
• Ability to work nights
• Ability to work different shifts
• Ability to work swiftly
• Must be able to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including Respirator
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk throughout work shift on uneven ground
• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to shift gears, depress pedals; turn knobs and levers; read gauges
• Ability to work in all types of weather conditions, i.e. frost, fog, wind, heat, etc.
• Repetitive stooping and bending
• Good finger dexterity
• Firm hand grip
• Repetitive arm and shoulder movement, above and below head level
• Repetitive use of wrist and hands
• Repetitive pulling, pushing and reaching
Intellectual
• Ability to follow directions
• Ability to read, write and perform basic math calculations
• Ability to follow all Company safety rules and policies
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group or team setting

Special Requirements

3 months of agricultural experience is required. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements include lifting up to 40-50 pounds frequently. Must be able to work under conditions where skin and clothing become heavily soiled with mud, water, grease, etc. Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions, including sun, rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves standing and walking on uneven ground throughout work shift, sitting for long periods of time, and repetitive stooping and bending. No smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.

See Addendum C.