Agricultural Equipment Operator

*Job Title: *Agricultural Equipment Operator *Department:* *Job Status: *Full Time *FLSA Status: *Non*-*Exempt *Reports to: *Production Director *Job Type: *Regular *Amount of Travel Required: *None *Work Schedule: *Monday- Saturday *Positions Supervised:* None *Position Summary:* Nourse Farms is a leading player in the plant propagation industry, known for our commitment to excellence in providing high-quality plant stock.
Nourse Farms is seeking a highly skilled and experienced heavy equipment operator to support our facilities in Whately, Montague, and Northfield MA farm nursery operations.
The Heavy Equipment Operator will be responsible for managing and operating our machinery across various Massachusetts sites and is vital for upholding our operational efficiency, safety, and environmental standards.
This role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the department and across the organization.
*Primary Duties:* *Reasonable Accommodation Statement* To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
*Key Responsibilities:* * *Operate Equipment*: Safely and expertly operate a range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, harvesters, and pesticide spraying machines, mowers, and other ancillary equipment.
* *Pesticide Application*: Apply pesticides in accordance with Massachusetts regulations, ensuring the health and safety of crops, workers, and the environment.
* *Routine Checks*: Conduct daily equipment inspections to ensure machinery is in optimal working condition.
* *Maintenance Coordination*: Report equipment malfunctions or damages to the Maintenance Manager promptly for repair coordination.
* *Safety and Compliance*: Strictly adhere to safety protocols and Massachusetts pesticide application regulations.
* *Training*: Offer training and insights to team members on proper equipment and pesticide usage as necessary.
* *Transportation*: Transport equipment between various Massachusetts sites as required.
* *Record Keeping*: Maintain thorough logs of equipment usage, pesticide applications, hours of operation, and maintenance checks.
* *Site Cleanliness*: Ensure machinery and equipment storage areas are clean and orderly.
* *Continuous Learning*: Stay abreast of the latest operating procedures, best practices, and regulations related to equipment operation and pesticide application.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
*Qualifications:* · Education:High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience required.
· Experience:3+ years of progressive experience in operating heavy or agricultural equipment.
A background in mechanics and equipment maintenance or farm work is also useful.
· Leadership Abilities: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
· Valid Massachusetts Pesticide Spray License.
· Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
· Strong knowledge of safety protocols and Massachusetts pesticide application regulations.
· Ability to troubleshoot basic equipment problems.
· Flexibility to work under varying weather conditions and adapt to changing schedules.
· Willingness to travel between sites in Massachusetts.
· Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and other stakeholders.
· Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges · Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying temperatures.
If you have a passion for agriculture and possess the necessary technical skills, we encourage you to apply for the position of Agricultural Equipment Operator.
Join our team and contribute to the success of our agricultural operations.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $20.
00 - $26.
00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off Schedule: * 10 hour shift Ability to Relocate: * Whately, MA 01093: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person