Farm Machinery Operator

Job Description:

Farm Machinery Operator
Company: Island Acres Produce Ltd.
Location: Albany, Prince Edward Island
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Position Summary
The Farm Machinery Operator is responsible for supporting the day-to-day agricultural operations of Island Acres Produce Ltd. This position operates and maintains farm machinery and equipment used in potato, hay, and other crop production activities.

The successful candidate will assist with various farm responsibilities and duties as required. This role requires a dependable, safety-conscious individual who is comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and in a fast-paced agricultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

Farm Machinery and Equipment Operation:

• Operate tractors, harvesters, farm trucks, skidsteers, forklifts, vegetable harvesters, and other farm machinery and equipment.
• Perform agricultural crop services, including plowing, cultivating, irrigating, spraying, planting, and harvesting.
• Move products, materials, and supplies using forklifts, hydraulic hoists, or other approved equipment.
• Inspect machinery and equipment before use to ensure safe and proper operation.
• Clean, maintain, and complete minor repairs on farm machinery and equipment.
• Report equipment breakdowns, repair requirements, and safety concerns to management.

Crop Production and Farm Operations:

• Assist with planting, cultivating, irrigating, fertilizing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting potatoes, vegetables, hay, and other crops.
• Cut agricultural seed in accordance with farm standards and production requirements.
• Clean crops and prepare products for further handling, packing, storage, or sale.
• Grade vegetables and fruit according to size, shape, colour, volume, quality, and market requirements.
• Examine products to determine quality and readiness for market.
• Perform general farm duties as assigned.

Quality, Safety, and Biosecurity:

• Follow all farm safety procedures, biosecurity practices, and company policies.
• Assist with the development and implementation of farm safety and biosecurity procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow safe operating procedures when handling equipment, crop protection products, and materials.
• Ensure that farm workers and harvesting labourers follow applicable safety and biosecurity procedures.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

• Maintain production, quality control, work, and equipment records.
• Complete daily work logs and basic progress reports.
• Assist with maintaining financial and production records, as required.
• Document crop activities, equipment usage, maintenance activities, and production information accurately.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Other trades certificate, diploma, or equivalent experience in agriculture, machinery operation, or a related field.
• Previous experience in farming, crop production, machinery operation, or agricultural crop services is an asset.
• Experience operating tractors, harvesters, farm trucks, skidsteers, forklifts, and vegetable harvesting equipment is preferred.
• Valid driver’s licence required.
• Pesticide Applicator’s Licence required or willingness to obtain.
• Air Brake (Z) Endorsement preferred.
• Forklift Operator Certification preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed on-site in a rural agricultural setting.
• Regular work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, dust, noise, and dirty work environments.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and handling heavy loads.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet production deadlines.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and the ability to distinguish between colours for crop grading and quality assessment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Reliability and dependability.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good judgement and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and willingness to perform a variety of farm duties.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• A positive team-oriented attitude.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Employment Terms:

• Permanent, full-time position.
• Approximately 30 to 50 hours per week.
• Hours may include early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and flexible scheduling based on farm operational requirements.

Wage range:

• $18.00 to $22.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

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