Department: Beach Plum Farm

Position: Tractor Operator

Reports To: Director of Agriculture

Pay Rate/Schedule: $25/hr to start, March-November

Company and Property Overview: A premier agro-tourism destination, Beach Plum Farm integrates the daily operations of agricultural, hospitality and retail sales into an immersive experience. Combining the rich accommodations of Cape Resorts with functioning agricultural operations that support the health and wellness of our world.  Our farming activities were at the forefront of Farm-to-Table dining supplying 5 local restaurants with fresh locally grown and seasonal ingredients including vegetables, herbs, flowers, poultry, eggs, and pork products. From this, public interest in our agricultural operations and the development of retail outlets led our company to begin providing accommodations for events and lodging as a premier destination in southern New Jersey.

Position Overview:

Our Tractor Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining various types of tractors and machinery for tasks such as planting, cultivating, harvesting, and transporting goods. Overall, it’s a hands-on, physically demanding job that plays a critical role in ensuring farm operations run smoothly.

Operating Tractors and Equipment: The primary task is to drive and operate tractors, often equipped with specialized attachments like plows, harvesters, or seeders, to complete the tasks.

Maintaining Equipment: Tractor operators perform routine checks and basic maintenance on the equipment they use, such as cleaning, lubricating, and making minor repairs. Ensuring that the machinery is in proper working condition is crucial for preventing delays or breakdowns.

Transporting Goods: Operators may be required to drive tractors with trailers to transport crops or other farm materials from one area to another, such as from the field to storage.

Following Safety Protocols: Tractor operators must follow strict safety protocols to prevent accidents while operating heavy machinery.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience: Prior experience operating heavy machinery or farm equipment is required
• Mechanical Skills: Knowledge of how to maintain and repair machinery is a significant part of the role. However, we do have a staff mechanic.
• Physical Stamina: The job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours in the field, sometimes in tough weather conditions.
• Attention to Detail: Precision is important when performing

 Job Competencies:

• Urgency and Commitment to Task: Demonstrates dependability and shows a sense of urgency about getting results; commitment to getting the job done; take responsibility for actions and achieve results; overcome obstacles.
• Communication Skills: Presents ideas, concepts, and information effectively and clearly through the spoken word; actively listens; communicates comfortably with various audiences; responds effectively to questions.
• Creativity and Flexibility: Adapts and changes course of action when appropriate; effectively transitions from task to task; deals well with unresolved situations, frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; maintains objectives amidst shifting priorities.
• Curiosity and Initiative: Acts proactively; addresses issues or opportunities without supervision; focuses on desired results and accomplishments; demonstrates clear purpose, enthusiasm, and a “can-do” attitude.
• Precision and Managing Execution: Manages multiple projects and effectively prioritizes tasks, responsibilities, and goals; uses goals to guide actions and creates detailed action plans; organizes and schedules people and tasks; utilizes resources effectively to meet goals.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish business goals and objectives; asks others for their ideas and opinions; supports team’s decisions; contributes to the team’s efforts.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Must read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.
2. Must have strong record keeping experience
3. Must possess basic computational ability and computer skills.
4. Most work tasks are performed outdoors. Must be able to work in all outdoor temperatures.
5. The worker is subject to noise: there is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout to be heard above the surrounding noise level.  Also subject to vibration:  exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
6. The worker is subject to hazards which includes: a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, and atmospheric conditions—one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin:  fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses, and oils or other fluids.
7. Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 4 hours in length and be able to reach other locations of the farm in a timely manner.
8. Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch.
9. Must be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular and continuing basis and infrequently lift 50 pounds.
10. Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening, and hearing ability and visual acuity.
11. Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. At least 1 year of tractor experience with annual vegetable production is required.
2. High school or equivalent education required.
3. Must possess a valid driver’s license