Equipment Operator

Overview

Primary responsibility will be to operate tractors, implements, and other farm machinery; Operator will also sometimes perform general fieldwork related to our operations. Participation in trainings, workshops and staff meetings related to farm operations. Operate tractors and equipment safely and effectively. 

Detailed Roles and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of machines, tools, and relevant equipment.
• Knowledge of processes and procedure in farming.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the farming.
• Controlling operations of equipment.
• Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while operating equipment.
• The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• The ability to see details at a distance.
• The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
• The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
• The ability to see under low light conditions.
• Experience of ploughing, drilling, harvesting (including combining), fertilizing (including relevant record keeping).
• Must be able to work on own initiative and pay attention to detail.
• Operate agricultural machinery including tractors, combines, and irrigation systems.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections to verify proper functioning and inform the supervisor of any issues identified.
• Walk besides or ride on planting machines while in the mechanical planters at specified intervals
• Adjust farm machinery and notify supervisors when machinery malfunctions
• Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, using bolts and hand tools
• Operate equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, combines and irrigation equipment
• Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunction

Education and/or Experience

• Valid driving license
• Pass Background check
• Pass Physical and drug tes

Essential Capabilities / Competencies

• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues; connects data points through analysis to arrive at a logical conclusion.
• Business & Financial Acumen – Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the financial, accounting, marketing and operational functions of our organization; interpreting and applying understanding of key financial indicators to make better corporate decisions.
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner by tailoring one's message to fit the interests and needs of the audience.
• Customer Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external customer(s) in mind at all times.  Strives to proactively address customer concerns and needs.  Assists business partners and customers to achieve their work goals via application of their own skills and knowledge; strives to provide consistent customer satisfaction.
• Establishes Trust – Gaining the confidence and faith of others by actions and words that promote being honest, forthcoming, integrious and vulnerable.
• Problem-Solving – Anticipates, evaluates, diagnoses, and resolves problems in a systematic and fact-based manner.
• Results Orientation & Accountability – Takes accountability, identifies, executes and drives actions to consistently achieve desired results.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others.
• Adaptability/Flexibility – Maintaining effectiveness in varying environments and with different tasks, responsibilities and people.
• Continuous Improvement – Establishes methods and utilizes specialized techniques to monitor and improve performance of systems and processes.
• Self-Development – Seeks feedback on one’s strengths and weaknesses and initiates activities to increase or enhance their knowledge, skills, and proficiency in order to perform more effectively or enhance their career. 

Location of Role

Sugar Farms Co-op