Equipment Operator

Job description

Workers will operate and maintain agricultural equipment and vehicles used in the production of corn and soybeans, including but not limited to tractors, tillage equipment, planters, combines, grain carts, grain bins, grain elevators, sprayers, and related farm machinery. Workers will operate equipment to prepare fields, plant, cultivate, apply crop protection products as directed, harvest corn and soybeans, load and unload grain, and transport harvested crops from the field to on-farm grain bins and grain handling facilities.

Workers will assist with post-harvest grain handling activities, including operating grain augers and grain handling systems, monitoring grain movement, climbing ladders as necessary to inspect grain bins, and observing grain storage conditions. Workers must follow all grain bin safety procedures and may not enter confined spaces unless specifically trained and authorized.

Safe and efficient operation of all equipment is required at all times. Workers may also perform general farm duties associated with corn and soybean production including operating irrigation equipment, performing routine maintenance and repairs on equipment and facilities, cleaning work areas, and assisting with general crop production activities.

Workers must have at least three (3) months of verifiable experience operating agricultural equipment, including tractors with a minimum of 500 horsepower, in a row crop agricultural operation. Workers possessing a valid driver’s license may be required to operate non-CDL trucks to transport harvested corn and soybeans from the employer’s fields to the employer’s grain storage or handling facilities.

During harvest, workers should expect to work 70+ hours a week. Drug screens will be conducted post-hire, upon accident or incident and will be at the cost of the employer. Failure or refusal of the drug test is grounds for immediate termination.

Special Requirements

Hours listed in Section A.6 are the anticipated hours to be worked. The employer may request additional work hours based on weather conditions, crop delay, pests or disease, crop yield, available labor, and or productivity. Use of electronic devices during work hours is restricted to emergencies only.