Ag Equipment Operators

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
corn, hay/straw.
Drive tractors and balers, and operate other mechanized farm equipment to plant, cultivate, and harvest grain, hay, and/or oilseed crops. Perform manual and mechanized tasks including but not limited to: bushhogging fields; disking; aerating; seeding (using mechanical drills and seeders); fertilizing, weed spraying, mowing, tedding, raking, baling, and stacking. Operate grain carts.

Mow, cut, and weed fields. 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 tractors, dozers, planters, mowers, plows, sprayers, cultivators, power shears, chainsaws, bobcats, skid loaders, high lifts, and trucks or other vehicles.

Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery. Adjust speeds of cutters, blowers, and conveyors and height of cutting head. 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.

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

Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. 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 foot wear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, snow, 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. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker’s ability to perform the job. 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.

Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver’s license within 30 days following hire. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers. Must have and maintain a valid U.S. commercial driver's license (CDL) or Licencia Federal de Conductor to permit driving of trucks. Must have clean driving record. Must comply with all applicable requirements of the USDOT regulations. Must have no disqualifying factors under applicable law or employer's motor vehicle insurance policy. Disqualifying factors include but are not limited to: conviction for driving under the influence, driving while impaired or the occurrence of a serious at-fault accident.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 6 months of agricultural experience working in a grain/oilseed farm or hay farm handling both manual and mechanized tasks including operating agricultural equipment and driving/servicing tractor unit and semi-trailer associated with production of corn and hay/straw. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days of hire. Must have and maintain a valid CDL to permit driving of trucks.