Ag Equip Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
apples.
This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience working in a fruit farm or orchard handling both manual and mechanized tasks including operating agricultural equipment associated with production of apples. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience.

Workers may operate tractors, forklifts, bushhogs/mowers, sprayers and other farm equipment. Workers will perform cleaning, maintenance and repair of tractors, machinery and equipment. Workers will be expected to be able to operate orchard equipment, with or without direction, in a manner that protects the operator, visitors, other employees, crops, trees, facilities and equipment. Workers with appropriate licenses may operate general purpose vehicles to transport workers, equipment and product from one orchard location or facility to another on farm. Orchard equipment operation tasks may continue throughout the season.

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.

Fruit tree pruning
Workers may also be required to work in orchard performing both manual and machine tasks associated with pruning and fruit tree cultivation. Careful pruning requires knowledge of what to prune, how much to prune and fruit trees' growth habits. The primary reason for pruning fruit trees is to improve fruit quality and increase crop marketability and value. Apple production requires regular tree maintenance and pest management to produce quality fruit.

Workers are expected to possess or acquire pruning skills in order to be able to identify and remove stubs or broken branches, downward-growing branches, branches which rub against each other, shaded interior branches, dead wood and shoots/suckers with hand pruning saws and clippers, mechanized clippers and pole pruners. Occasionally workers may be required to use chain saws and other mechanized equipment in pruning activities. Workers must be able to perform all activities with accuracy and efficiency. Workers must possess proficiency with both hand tools and mechanical pruning equipment.

Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience working in a fruit farm or orchard handling both manual and mechanized tasks including operating agricultural equipment associated with production of apples. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing required. Workers with clean driving record and/or insurable driver's license may be required to drive company vehicles.