Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Plant, cultivate and harvest sugarcane and soybeans, and harvest crawfish, by hand or machine (70% equipment operation). Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops. Perform manual labor to primarily plant sugarcane. Work in groups to plant sugarcane by hand while walking behind moving wagon. Reach and pull to remove pre-cut sugarcane stalks from supply trailer and manually place and straighten predetermined numbers of sugarcane stalks into an open furrow at specific intervals/overlaps while bending or stooping. Use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes and knives. Perform manual shovel work to dig and maintain drainage ditches and banks. Till soil. Transplant and weed crops. Repair farm buildings, or participate in irrigation activities. Set up and operate irrigation equipment. Repair, maintain and clean farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment. Remove grass from around work areas. Clean and organize shop area. Apply herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides. Load seed into hoppers. Load harvested products. Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress. Identify plants, pests and weeds to determine the selection and application of fertilizers. Record information about crops, such as yields or costs. As a minor activity, workers may plant, cultivate and harvest soybeans and harvest crawfish by hand or machine. Assist in 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. 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.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a 2 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 2 day 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 2 day introductory 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. workers becoming available for the job during the employer's recruitment period. Job abandonment will be deemed to occur after five consecutive workdays of unexcused absences. Workers may not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises is prohibited and will be cause for immediate termination.

Special Requirements

Three months experience operating agricultural equipment to cultivate sugarcane required. Perform prolonged walking, bending, sitting, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs. Perform repetitive movements. Climb 25 ft. ladders on grain bins. Requires physical stamina. Work is in inclement weather including extreme heat, cold and/or rain. Must be at least 18 years old. Hazardous occupation. Employer is a drug free workplace. Drug testing is conducted post-hire at the employers expense and is not part of the interview process. Negative results are required before starting work.