Equipment Operator

Overview

Under direct supervision, the Equipment Operator provides support in operating farm equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner for optimal crop production during field preparation, planting, cultivation, harvesting and maintenance of crop acreage for various departments, including Alfalfa Crop, Bean Crop, Conservation, Corn Crop, Farm Support Services, Scales, and Organic/Conventional Row Crop. Equipment Operators will have a primary job assignment to a department but will also be assigned as needed to work in other departments.

The following statements are essential functions of this position and not intended to be all-inclusive; they describe the general nature and level of work. An employee may be directed to perform other related job duties. The department may revise duties as needed. This position description does not constitute a contract of employment.

• Maintains and complies with total quality controls according to USDA standards relating to inspection, grading, sorting, handling, and shipments that ensure concerns on food safety.
• Perform daily pre- and post-operation inspection of equipment and maintain daily log; note issues and findings and inform the Crop Foreman.
• Perform daily preventative maintenance such as refilling grease points and fluids of equipment and implements.
• Operate equipment and machinery used in agricultural production, such as tractors and combines, effectively, efficiently, and safely.
• Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using bolts and hand tools.
• Assemble, attach, and adjust proper combination of farm implements.
• Load hoppers, containers, or conveyors to feed machines with products, using forklifts, transfer augers, suction gates, shovels, or pitchforks.
• Manipulate controls to set, activate, and adjust mechanisms on machinery.
• Mix specified materials or chemicals and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery.
• Adjust, repair, and service farm machinery and notify supervisors when malfunctions occur.
• Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions.
• Identify equipment problems in a timely manner to minimize downtime and equipment failure.
• Assist department work crews in planting, weeding, or harvesting activities.
• Perform tillage, planting, cultivation and harvesting operations effectively.
• Perform proper maintenance service, repairs, adjustments and safety inspections of equipment and implements.
• Maintain and promote a safe work environment in all areas of control.
• Complete daily reports and field operation reports as requested and in a timely manner.

This description is intended to be general in nature with respect to job family. Additional duties may be assigned depending on the Department Job Assignment.

• Operates tractor with artificial tunnel building implement.
• Adheres to proper handling, maintenance, and operation procedures of the artificial tunnel building implement.
• Maintains daily records on progress and EPA chemical application sheets.
• Collects measurements of infested areas requiring treatment.
• Maintains clean work site after completion and conducts routine visual inspections of equipment before/after use.
• Consistently uses proper application techniques.
• Safely transport equipment and implement.
• Assists other team members with treatments or extermination processes in and/or around crop field.
• Occasionally assists other departments with field tasks such as manual weed removal, field mapping, sample collections, loading alfalfa bales, and grounds-keeping and facility maintenance.

• Maintain inspection, hour, fuel daily logs (planting, liquid/dry fertilizer for banding applications).
• Assist in loading seeds and fertilizer by hand and/or with forklift.
• Monitor tractor controls and monitors to ensure proper land preparations, planting and harvesting specifications are met.
• Perform preventative maintenance, greasing and fluid refilling of tractors and equipment.
• Report needed repairs and parts to Crop Foremen.
• Maintain a clean worksite and properly care for tractor and equipment.
• Safely transport equipment on roadways when necessary.
• Assist department with other tasks as necessary - sprinkler unplugging, field scouting, and upkeep of fields and facilities.
• Communicate with co-workers and management in a courteous manner.
• Maintain a good driving record throughout the duration of employment.

• Operate hay squeeze equipment safely, efficiently, and effectively.
• Perform daily safety inspections to ensure hay squeezers are in fully functional state.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on equipment as needed in a timely manner.
• Maintain equipment by removing trash from cab and wash down daily; maintain all necessary operating paperwork (pre/post trip inspections, logbook).
• Communicate with co-workers, management, customers, and vendors in a courteous and effective manner.
• File proper work orders for mechanical repairs…