How to become An Agricultural Equipment Operator

• Baler Operator
• Farm Labourer
• Irrigation Worker
• Tractor Divider
• Tractor Operator

What do Agricultural Equipment Operators do?

An Agricultural Equipment Operator would typically need to:

• Safely operate, drive and control farm equipment and vehicles using GPS technology, including trucks, tractors, loaders, skid steers combines, raking equipment, threshers, conveyor belts, loading machines, dryers, balers and irrigation equipment
• Direct and carry out farm activities such as tilling, weeding, sowing seeds, fertilising, harvesting, baling crops like wheat, corn and barley, hay buckling, and monitor other post-harvest functions like husking, shelling, threshing and ginning
• Inspect heavy farm machinery and troubleshoot, service and repair equipment to ensure their safe and effective operation; report issues and requirements to management, listing physical and mechanical problems; record meter reading at the beginning of each shift
• Look for hazards in weather or the land that might create an unsafe work environment
• Use conveyors, hand trucks, forklifts, transfer augers, pitchforks, shovels, suction gates and other equipment to load and unload crops or containers of materials or to load hoppers and conveyors to feed machines and discard diseased or rotten products
• Mix particular materials or chemicals, and put solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery; operate towed machines, including seed drills and manure spreaders, to spray fertiliser or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungi or weeds
• Consult with farm management to prioritise work requests so that machinery is organised and operational punctually
• Move plants, trees and shrubs with wheelbarrows or tractors; drive dozer to move harvests; separate feed material into specific product qualities and grades for placing in storage units
• Insert plants at the intervals specified into the planter mechanism on planting machines while walking beside them or riding on them; drive trucks to transport crops, supplies, tools or farm workers
• Irrigate the soil using portable pipes or ditch systems, and maintain the systems and equipment
• Attach implements such as ploughs, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using bolts and hand tools; position containers, such as boxes or bags, at the discharge ends of machinery to catch products
• Remove, close, and weigh containers filled with crops; record weights and other specifications to identify each container and its contents

Most Agricultural Equipment Operators are involved in farm or ranch operations. They follow strict procedures in administering and maintaining the agricultural equipment to optimise its efficiency and increase farm produce. They work outdoors most of the time, whatever the weather. These operators usually live on the farms or ranches they work in or travel a minimum distance to reach the desired work location.

Agricultural Equipment Operators, on average, work more than 40 hours per week in a usual 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. However, this schedule is subject to fluctuations since the agricultural sector can be seasonal, and some seasons might require more hours of work than others.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Agricultural Equipment Operators can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Agricultural Equipment Operators are generally employed by:

• Farm/Ranch Owners
• Pesticide and Fertiliser Manufacturers
• Scientific Organisations
• Agricultural Research Institutes
• Government Agencies
• Independent Equipment Owners
• Processed Food Producers

Professional associations and organisations, such as 4-Ha, are crucial for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The need to follow a strict protocol in handling and to maintain agricultural equipment
• Physically strenuous work which involves lifting, crouching, and carrying around heavy tools
• Exposure to pesticides; the danger of injury from farm machinery or farm animals
• Work overload because of the labour-intensive nature of tilling the land, sowing seeds, operating the equipment
• Tedious to plough extensive farmland even if using air-conditioned and stereo-equipped vehicles
• Erratic schedule in harvest and sowing seasons
• Seasonal nature of work since there are some months when the land is left uncultivated

Agricultural Equipment Operators may acquire initial experience working on a construction crew or enrol in an apprenticeship to learn while working.. In a competitive job market, relevant experience demonstrates your dedication to your career, develops your practical skills, and allows you to network with professionals.

Students in high school or university can find internships and apprenticeships with different companies and individuals in the field of Agricultural Equipment to help broaden their skills and interest. Candidates can then re-apply for full-time positions in these places later. Those filling entry-level jobs receive on-the-job training.

Traditional colleges or technical schools typically provide education and prepare you for exams and licensing. These schools usually offer both theoretical instruction and its application in agriculture to help you build work experience.

Although not always required, a high school diploma may help Agricultural Equipment Operators find employment. At high school, learning science, machine shop, agriculture, mathematics, and driving, and participating in development organisations such as 4-H help you develop the skills you need for this job. However, since Agricultural Equipment Operators work with heavy machinery, there are age requirements you must meet to operate farm equipment legally.

While not mandatory, certification from an objective and accredited organisation such as 4-H can help Agricultural Equipment Operators gain professional credibility, build their expertise in a specific area, and stay up-to-date on technology.

Individual government entities conduct licensing. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

A driving license may be required to take on the role of Agricultural Equipment Operators, given that they are likely to drive tractors or other specialised agricultural vehicles on the road in addition to on the farm. Typically, licensing and certification requirements vary across the globe.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Agricultural Equipment Operators who consistently show high performance levels may advance to Crew Leader or other supervisory positions. Those who earn a college degree in agricultural science could become Agricultural or Food Scientists.

Candidates with relevant skills, experience, and education have the best job prospects. Working on improving one’s visual-spatial skills, physical stamina, and manual dexterity can help improve one’s job prospects in this field.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of an Agricultural Equipment Operator towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are many CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to help professionals in the field. Usually, the training and certification to become an Agricultural Equipment Operator involve theoretical instruction and hands-on application. Hence, the operators can periodically attend seminars and classes to diversify their skills and keep themselves up to date on recent developments associated with their occupation.

Some colleges offer courses that include equipment training & maintenance, hydraulics, mathematics, welding, construction technology, diesel mechanics, and more. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience. This occupation requires little education but mechanical aptitude and above-average physical coordination. Courses offered usually vary across the globe.

Equipment Maintenance

Agricultural Equipment Operators adhere to strict protocols when operating and maintaining heavy equipment to ensure precision in the functioning of the equipment, optimise its performance, and maximise the crop yield.

Ferruccio Lamborghini produced tractors and agricultural implements before beginning his manufacture of cars!

Agricultural Equipment Operators must channel their manual dexterity, stamina and problem-solving skills to perform a wide range of tasks such as baling, bucking, harvesting and shelling. These demands and duties of an agricultural equipment operator make this profession unique and noble.

An untied shoelace, maladjusted equipment, lack of rest or even one alcoholic drink can disturb your awareness while operating agricultural equipment, thus leading to horrendous injuries. It is crucial to avoid these hazards so that one stays focused and aware of the task ahead.