Ag Equipment Operator

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Grapes.
Workers will be responsible for all tractor operations, including the safe and proper operation of our fleet that
includes but not limited to: specialty grape vineyard tractors, ground working tractors, Gregoire grape harvester, and utility vehicles. Operators are responsible for daily equipment inspections, maintenance, disassembly and reassembly, cleaning, and winterizing.

Tractor activities include but are not limited to: cover crop planting/seeding; bird net application; canopy hedging, mechanical pre-pruning; spraying pesticides and herbicides, mowing, mechanical leaf-pulling, rototilling, planting, harvesting, and maintaining structures/grounds/trellis.
Worker must be able to recognize grape diseases, mix and/or spray the appropriate pesticides (according to restrictive use laws), and keep an inventory of chemicals. Worker must have the ability to understand sprayer calibrations necessary to applying/spraying (pesticides/herbicides/fertilizers) to crops.

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.

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 proficient manner without close supervision.

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 will have an unpaid lunch break.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a five-day trial 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 trial 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 trial period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectations. Non-U.S. workers may be displaced as a result of one or more U.S.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience handling tasks including operating agricultural equipment. 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.