Agricultural Equipment Operator

Overview

Agriculture Workers (blueberry)

• Workers will be responsible for all tractor operations, including the safe and proper use of specialty blueberry tractors such as mechanical pruners, trimmers, mowers, sprayers and blueberry harvesters.
• Other equipment may include, but is not limited to, forklifts, farm trucks, ATVs, backpack sprayers, and other commonly used equipment and tools in agriculture.
• The maintenance and repair of sprinklers (heads, lines, pipes, valves, pumps, etc.) on overhead cooling or other general or specific irrigation systems may also be needed.
• All training will be provided in the use of machinery and specifically for all the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• During harvest operations, employees must safely operate a blueberry harvester, in accordance with the training received.
• The seating of a blueberry harvester is at an elevated position, approximately 8 ft above ground. Employees must be physically able to climb ladders in and out of the harvester and work at elevated heights for long hours.
• Once the required loads are harvested for the day, operators must wash the machines using a pressurized 1.5" water hose for decontamination.
• All employees must be comfortable working at night, in a wet environment, and in and around heavy equipment.
• Workers will be responsible for some of the basic repairs and maintenance of the machines which may include greasing, replacing, and repairing worn machinery parts.
• For employees who will operate tractor sprayers, they will not be responsible for the preparation, mixing and filling of chemicals into sprayers; these workers will either have a valid pesticide license or be supervised by someone with a valid pesticide license.
• The Employer attests that these workers will be trained appropriately by their supervisor who has a valid Private Applicators' license, which is the standard pursuant to the WSDA. Furthermore, their supervisor will be available to ensure that workers understand all chemical labels, safety instructions, and application instructions pursuant to WSDA.

• 2 months experience
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Lifting requirement of 27 kg (60 lb)
• Repetitive movements
• Frequent stooping or bending over
• Extensive sitting and walking
• Extensive pushing or pulling

Los trabajadores serán responsables de todas las operaciones con tractores, incluyendo el uso seguro y adecuado de tractores especializados para arándanos, como podadoras mecánicas, desbrozadoras, segadoras, pulverizadores y cosechadoras de arándanos. Otros equipos pueden incluir, entre otros, montacargas, camiones agrícolas, vehículos todo terreno, pulverizadores de mochila y otros equipos y herramientas de uso común en la agricultura.

También podría ser necesario el mantenimiento y la reparación de aspersores (cabezales, líneas, tuberías, válvulas, bombas, etc.) en sistemas de refrigeración por aire u otros sistemas de riego generales o específicos. Se proporcionará capacitación sobre el uso de maquinaria y, específicamente, sobre el uso de EPP (Equipo de Protección Individual).