SodStar (Operated by Buy Sod), a multi-state agribusiness company with sod farms in the Carolinas, Tennessee Georgia and Florida, is currently seeking a Full Time Equipment Operator II. The Equipment Operator II safely operates mowers, harvesters, planters, tractors and/or forklifts as needed on a daily basis.
Equipment Operator II positions focus on field preparation/planting, mowing, chemical applications and/or quality sod harvesting.
Position Benefits:
- 90% company paid single Medical coverage.
- Medical Dental and Vision single and family coverages available
- Employee and Family supplemental life insurance options
- 401k with company match
- Paid time off
- 9 Paid holidays
- Rotating weekend schedules
- Highly competitive compensation
Position Responsibilities:
- Safely operate assigned farm machinery on a daily basis and report safety issues/concerns and concerns to management in a timely manner.
- Keep the farm neat, clean and orderly and free of debris.
- Maintain a neat and organized work area to include shop, truck, equipment, field, etc.
- Perform pre-start checks (oil, hydraulic, water, clean air filters, etc.) and any necessary preventive maintenance.
- Calibrate equipment (excluding application equipment) to ensure it is functioning properly and working at optimum conditions communicate/troubleshoot any issues.
- Thoroughly clean/wash machines as needed to prevent cross-contamination.
- Load sod for customers by hand and with forklift.
- Depending on workloads, weather/field conditions, staffing, etc. must be able to assist in different departments as instructed by Farm Management.
Position includes all or some of the following tasks depending on area of focus:
- Perform planting, netting, seeding and sprigging as instructed.
- Perform equipment diagnosis/repair and communicate concerns to Farm Management.
- Perform aerification and rolling of harvested areas in coordination with fertilizer and lime applications.
- Perform proper mower maintenance (blade sharpness), HOC (height of cut) and mowing frequency as instructed. as required by grass classification.
- Adhere to mowing parameters and schedule as instructed as required by grass classification.
- Apply chemicals (herbicide/pesticide) and/or fertilizer and lime as instructed.
- Harvest sod as instructed utilizing proper cutting depth, down pressure and conveyor speed, ensuring correct roll length, pallet presentation and flags in sod.
- Perform field reclamation (clean, scrape and warlord/koro to prepare fields for aerification, lime, fertilizer, etc.) as instructed.
- Monitor pallet weight and communicate to Farm Management.
Position Requirements:
- 2-5 years’ experience in a similar role required.
- Valid State Driver’s License with clean driving record.
- Valid Pesticide License or ability to obtain within 60 days.
- Must demonstrate ability to be a team player and build positive working relationships with others.
- Ability to understand the concept and consequences of grass cross-contamination.
- Ability to work flexible hours to include, but not limited to, early AM/PM, nights and weekends and hours that could fluctuate day-to-day.
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions required.
- Additional pay available commensurate with education/experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit, climb and balance as well as bend and kneel frequently.
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds or more occasionally. Twisting with weight as needed.
- Manual dexterity, coordination and constant movement and use of limbs required.
Position located: Tarboro, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.60 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Farm machinery: 2 years (Preferred)
- Farming: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Pesticide Applicator’s License (Preferred)
- Valid State Driver License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person