Position Summary

The Applicator / Machinery Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of modern agricultural equipment used in crop production. The employee operates self-propelled sprayers, tractors, planters, tillage equipment, seeders, and harvesting equipment while performing field operations, maintaining machinery, and following established farm safety procedures.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate self-propelled sprayers to apply herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and liquid fertilizers according to label directions, farm procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Operate tractors and agricultural machinery to prepare land, perform tillage, plant, seed, cultivate, and harvest corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and triticale.
• Load and unload seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, harvested crops, and other agricultural materials using farm equipment.
• Calibrate spraying equipment and calculate application rates, field acreage, product quantities, and operating speeds to ensure accurate product application.
• Monitor machinery during operation to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure efficient field performance.
• Perform routine inspections, lubrication, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and seasonal servicing of farm machinery and equipment.
• Carry out minor repairs and replace worn or damaged components to minimize equipment downtime.
• Maintain accurate field operation records, including acreage covered, products applied, application rates, and equipment maintenance activities.
• Follow all workplace health and safety procedures, including the safe handling, storage, and transportation of agricultural chemicals and fuels.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workshop, machinery storage area, and equipment yard.
• Assist with loading, unloading, transporting, and storing harvested crops and agricultural inputs.
• Operate GPS-guided precision agriculture systems and electronic monitors to improve field efficiency and application accuracy.
• Perform pre-operational and post-operational equipment inspections and report mechanical issues requiring major repairs.
• Assist with other general crop production activities as required during peak planting and harvest seasons.

Preferred Employment Requirements

• Operating self-propelled sprayers, tractors, planters, seeders, tillage, and harvesting equipment
• Knowledge of crop production practices for corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and triticale.
• Ability to safely operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on agricultural equipment.
• Good mathematical skills for equipment calibration and application rate calculations.
• Knowledge of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and safe application procedures.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• Valid Ontario driver's licence. An AZ licence is considered an asset.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Standing, walking, climbing, lifting, bending, and extended periods of operating machinery.
• Seasonal overtime required during planting, spraying, and harvest.
• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, and agricultural chemicals while following appropriate safety procedures and using personal protective equipment.

Hours and Compensation

• 40 hours per week, with overtime during peak agricultural seasons.
• One-year full-time employment contract.
• Wage: $32.67 per hour
• No employee benefits.