Under limited supervision, the Special Operator position implements optimal, cost-effective machine operator processes and methods in accordance with specific and quality standards; recommends and implements improvements to operator processes, methods, and controls.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Operates various mechanical equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, loaders, and irrigation equipment.
2. Operates towed machines such as fertilizer spreader, box blades, and land leveling equipment.
3. Carries out process improvement, problem resolution, employee training.
4. Improves operator processes and methods for cost-reduction, quality improvement and efficiency.
5. Prepares and presents plans for the above and coordinate deployment including training of team members.
6. Assists farm manager in improving a system of production control, standard machine operating procedures, safety, quality control and training.
7. Helps with maintaining farm buildings and equipment.
8. Operates various tools, machinery, and equipment for recommended operator methods.
9. Performs product/process analysis for cost reduction, quality improvement, and improved efficiency.

Competencies
• Technical Capacity.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Performance Management.
• Leadership.
• Communication Proficiency.

Supervisory Responsibility This position has limited supervisory responsibilities. This position may be asked to assist in new hire training.

Work Environment
This job operates in exposure to direct sunlight and weather 90% of the time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This employee requires full range of motion of arms and legs and requires constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, coordination, and stamina.

Typical/ Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. Days and hours can change at the discretion of the Farm Manager, though typical hours of work Monday-Friday are: Winter & Fall 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM · Spring & Summer 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Travel
Requires little to no travel time.

Required Education and Experience
1. 4+ years of experience operating farm equipment and/or heavy machinery
2. Must be able to work in a safety aware environment.
3. Bilingual skills are desired but not required
4. Must be 18 years of age or older.
5. Pre-employment drug screening required.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.