Farm Equipment Operator

Norwich VT

Description

Cedar Circle Farm organically manages about 50 acres of owned and rented crop land. In a given year half that land is managed with cover crops and green manures while the other half is intensively cultivated. We maintain four to six acres of “Pick your own” Strawberries and crop an additional 15-20 acres in diverse vegetable production. Because of our scale, we heavily rely on tractor equipment to manage weeds, build soil fertility and irrigate our crops with water from the CT River. We are seeking an experienced individual to assist in the daily tractor and equipment functions on our farm The equipment operator in partnership with the Veg Production Manager is responsible for operation of production related tractor field work at the farm. The equipment operator reports to the Production Manager on a daily basis to be given the priorities of the day. The equipment operator will also be responsible for assisting production with irrigation related projects when field work is less of a priority. The position is seasonal and starts mid April and runs through the end of October. We realize the diverse nature of the job and are very willing to train and work with the right candidate to become competent with the responsibilities below. This position has potential to be a long term seasonal post on our farm. Duties Include: Heavy Duty Tractor work including primary and secondary tillage implements: -Moldboard Plow -Transportation Disk Harrows -3 point field cultivator -Subsoiler/Chisel plow -Flail Mower Applying Fertilizer/Compost: -Using PTO driven manure spreader -PTO driven cone spreader -Tow behind Drop spreader Light duty Tractor work including: -Maintenance Flail mowing and bush hogging fields/field edges -3 point rototilling rows/ field edges -Daily/weekly cultivation of Vegetable and berry crops using a variety of bellymount and 3 pt. hitch cultivation implements -Mowing Cover crops -Seasonally seeding cover crops and green manures around the farm using a grain drill and 3 point Brillion Seeder -Occasional Loader and tractor forks work moving pallets, harvest crates etc. Irrigation Work to Include: With instruction from the Production Manager -Transporting and setting up aluminum irrigation pipe from field to field -Operating PTO driven water pumps at multiple locations. -Be able to work with/instruct other members of the Production crew to complete installations of irrigation systems -End of season Cleanup organizing/stacking pipe and assorted fittings neatly Small Engine Equipment: -Occasional cleanup in the fields using a push mower or string trimmer to cleanup irrigation pumps and other spaces. -Using a walk behind rototiller for specific cultivation situations in fields and greenhouses -Operating a power washer for cleaning and maintenance of tractors and equipment Maintenance: The Equipment Operator will provide basic care and maintenance to all equipment and machinery with instruction from the Production Manager and the Farm Mechanic: -Establish a rapport with our Farm Mechanic and with our Production Manager with questions or concerns about equipment. The Farm Mechanic will perform all major and minor repairs to equipment as necessary -Cleaning and greasing moving components of tractors and attachments. -Maintaining gas and diesel fuel levels in tractors and recording hours and usage in farm records -Power washing and spraying off tractors and equipment after every use in the field -Detaching equipment and parking implements in their designated area when finished Necessary Skills/Attributes: -Experience driving, maintaining and operating tractors, trucks and light machinery -Previous experience working with equipment in agricultural or landscape type operations -Adequate knowledge or willingness to learn organic management of soil health and on farm fertility through cover crops and other regenerative methods -Well organized and ability to keep basic on-farm records of dates and fertilizer applications -Valid driver’s license -Ability to lift 50 pounds in the field -Great communication skills -Willingness to learn and receive feedback -Ability to work well with others in groups and independently -Be flexible and adaptable to changes in weather and working conditions To apply email resume.