Agricultural Equipment Operator - NY 26-0015

Workers may perform irrigation and maintenance duties including:

• Install and maintain irrigation systems and water lines

• Place irrigation pipes and fittings

• Move and install irrigation equipment

• Install or remove drip tubing

• Dig and maintain ditches

• Install and remove levee gates

• Assist with farm building and field maintenance

• Repair fences or cover hoop houses

To ensure safe crop production:

• Workers must follow USDA GAP certification standards

• Workers will receive training on these standards

• Failure to follow food safety standards may result in dismissal

Workers will also help maintain sanitary conditions by:

• Sanitizing equipment and restrooms

• Cleaning lunch tables

• Picking up packing materials, boxes, labels, and trash

• Discarding unwanted materials from fields

Workers with a clean driving record (no major violations such as DUI or reckless driving) and the ability to obtain an insurable driver’s license may be required to:

• Drive company vehicles

• Transport crops, tools, and fellow workers

• Operate tractors or trucks between fields and facilities

Workers may use various hand tools including:

• Shovels

• Hoes

• Knives

• Trowels

• Tampers

• Pruning hooks

• Shears

Workers may work with a variety of crops including, but not limited to:

• Asparagus

• Cucurbits

• Sweet Corn

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Kale

• Romanesco

• Hops

• Parsley

• Various herbs

Some workers may be selected as working team leaders.

Selection may be based on:

• Performance

• Experience

• Tenure

Team leaders may receive higher compensation based on these factors.

This job requires significant physical labor.

Workers must be able to:

• Stand, bend, and stoop for long periods

• Perform repetitive movements

• Walk extensively throughout the workday

• Lift up to 60 pounds regularly

Environmental conditions may include:

• Wet plants from dew or rain

• Light rain, snow, moderate winds

• Direct sun and high humidity

• Extreme temperatures ranging from 10°F to 105°F

Workers must also:

• Wear appropriate work clothing and durable footwear

• Use assigned personal protective equipment (PPE) when required

Workers with allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honeybees, or agricultural chemicals may have difficulty performing some job tasks.

Workers must:

• Be physically capable of performing manual agricultural labor

• Report to work daily prepared for outdoor farm work

• Perform additional tasks such as ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, and other general farming duties