Equipment Operator
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person to join our production team! The operator will work closely with farm owner Max and manager Will in the operation of the farm’s tillage, planting, and cultivation equipment. The operator will also assist our harvest team or other projects as needed.
Some previous tractor work is required, but we will train you to work with our equipment. This position is suitable for both entry-level and more advanced operators with training, responsibility, and pay adjusted accordingly.
The position starts in April and goes through November. Hours vary between 40-60/week depending on the season. Please note we expect equipment operators to work around the boundaries of weather - this can mean switching weekends for weekdays off to get ahead of rain and planting schedules
Qualifications
Basic tractor experience is required: comfort with and knowledge of the basic functionality, controls, and safety of tractor operation.
This is an entry level position designed for someone with beginners level (mowing, bucket work, transplanting, etc) tractor experience and is interested in gaining more experience in operation and maintenance of agricultural equipment. However, more advanced operators are strongly encouraged to apply and will be compensated appropriately.
2+ years of experience on a production farm is required.
Applicant should be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly, work in all weather conditions, and have appropriate work gear.
Responsibilities
Transplanting, cultivating, tillage, bed prep, irrigation, and harvest.
Operating 75, 80 & 95 hp tractors with a variety of implements
Coordinating with farm owner to ensure effective and efficient completion of tasks
Basic up-keep of machinery; i.e. lubricating grease points, power washing, cleaning of operator station
Communicating issues with equipment and field conditions with farm owner
Harvesting of produce when machinery operation is not needed.
Field plant care: staking, tying, plastic laying, landscape fabric, remay work etc..
Field cleanup (plastic, stakes, twine, landscape fabric etc..)
Other farm related tasks as needed
Schedule:
Full-time, Monday through Friday. 7am-5:30pm + flexibility on late days.
Half days every other Saturday, 7am-12pm
Half days every Saturday beginning 9/12 and ending 10/31 for clear-out harvests.
1hr lunch (1/2 paid, 1/2 unpaid)
Start Date: first week of May
End Date: late November (TBD)
This is a seasonal position, April-November, with the opportunity to evolve into a year round managerial role.
Compensation:
$18-$20/hr dependent on experience
5 paid vacation days after 6 months (then 5 accrued each year up to 20)
$35/week in Farm Store Benefits (to spend on anything except meat & fish)
Produce from the field
20% off any farm store purchases above $35/week.
Paid sick leave, Workers’ Compensation
Paid Holidays
Expectations:
To come to work on time and prepared for work
To have adequate work wear for any and all weather.
To work well with others and alert your manager of any issues in a timely manner
To ask questions if you are unclear on the situation, needs, or expectations.
To understand that weather and orders dictate our hours at work. You will be required to stay late if necessary, both because you are part of a team and because farming is in itself dictated by weather. (ex: If there is a storm coming we may work late to get crops in from the field. If orders are larger than expected we will work late to fill them.) This also means there will be days we go home early!