Tractor Operator - Seasonal

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for operating tractors for sugarcane harvesting and, when needed, may operate bulldozers and assist with pre-harvest field preparation, including controlled burns. Work involves ensuring the safe and efficient handling of loaded wagons and navigating ramps for dumping. Conducts daily visual and mechanical inspections of equipment. This role requires strict adherence to safety regulations and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work is performed under close supervision with minimal latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions in this job description are intended only as an illustration of the various types of duties that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if work is similar or related to the job.

• Operates farm-type tractors with or without towed equipment to perform tasks related to harvesting sugarcane

• Safely loads wagons alongside harvesters and navigates ramps for dumping

• Maneuvers tractors to ensure safety near canals, traffic, and co-workers

• May operate a bulldozer and prepare fields for pre-harvest-controlled burns

• Performs basic visual and mechanical daily inspections on equipment to ensure proper operation and identify potential issues

• Cleans off equipment after each use to remove crop debris buildup to reduce fire risk and maintain safe operation

• Ensures compliance with proper procedures for cane field burns

• Works collaboratively with other team members and supervisors to achieve project goals

• Ensures the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

• Follows organizational and public safety guidelines and protocols, performs job functions in a safe manner, and reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of  experience operating farm equipment;

• OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES OR SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual – English and Spanish

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of safety protocols and compliance standards related to equipment operation

• Ability to work day or night shift in hot, cold, wet, humid, dusty, and foggy working conditions, depending on weather

• Ability to adapt quickly to a multicultural environment

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• Ability to follow instructions from supervisors and senior workers

• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team

• Ability to follow public safety guidelines and protocols and perform job functions in a safe manner

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

• Ability to maintain regular attendance to ensure efficient and effective performance of job duties

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS:

• Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds). Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and/or use of proper techniques and moving equipment. Tasks may involve some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

• Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).

• Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. 

COMPANY VISION:

SCGC’s vision is to deliver the greatest value to our member-growers and employees by being an industry leader in all we do. We are passionate about our vision, and we are looking for others who are equally passionate.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida (SCGC) is made up of primarily family-owned grower-members who cultivate sugarcane on over 75,000 acres of land, mainly in Palm Beach County, Florida. The Cooperative oversees the mechanical harvesting, processing, and marketing of raw sugar, molasses, and other by-products. With a workforce of over 500 employees, SCGC plays a key role in the sugarcane industry. Learn more at scgc.org. 

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.