farm machinery operator

Government of Canada - Western; West Kelowna; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency located in West Kelowna is seeking a dedicated agricultural worker to perform various field tasks, including maintaining grape vines and operating farm machinery. The role requires 2-3 years of experience, a Pesticide Applicator's Licence, and Forklift Operator Certification. Responsibilities include hoeing, weeding, and crop fertilization, with a strong emphasis on safety protocols. Candidates must possess strong physical capabilities and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Benefits

Free parking available

Learning/training paid by employer

Team building opportunities

Qualifications

• 2 years to less than 3 years of experience.
• Ability to work independently.
• Physically demanding role requiring attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Apply the technique of hoeing between the row.
• Clear fields of wood and stones.
• Maintain and manage growth of vines, vine canopy, and grapes.
• Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment.
• Participate in safety audits and programs.

Skills

Team player

Flexibility

Judgement

Reliability

Quick learner

Education

Pesticide Applicator's Licence

Forklift Operator Certification

Tools

Fertilizer applicator

Sprayer or duster

Tractor

Farm truck

Manure spreader

Planting equipment

Tillage equipment

Skidsteer

Forklift

Hand tools

Tractor mower

Job description

Overview Languages

English

Education

• No degree, certificate or diploma

Experience

2 years to less than 3 years

On site

Work must be completed at the physical location. There is no option to work remotely.

Work site environment

• Outdoors
• Viticulture
• Noisy
• All weather conditions
• Farm
• Vineyard
• Heavy equipment

Work setting

• Rural area
• Staff accommodation available
• Urban area
• Various locations
• Equipment operation
• Agricultural equipment

Responsibilities Tasks

• Apply the technique of hoeing between the row
• Clear fields of wood and stones
• Deleaf agricultural crops to accelerate ripening
• Maintain and manage growth of vines, vine canopy and grapes
• Plant, cultivate and irrigate crops
• Weeding
• Fertilize and spray crops
• Harvest crops
• Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment
• Provide agricultural crop services such as plowing, irrigating, cultivating, spraying or harvesting
• Follow education policies and programs
• Spray or dust plants with insecticides and fungicides
• Spread sand or salt on sidewalks for snow or ice control
• Participate in field checks and verification
• Participate in safety audits and programs
• Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops
• Operate forklift
• Operate all‑terrain vehicles (ATV)
• Maintain equipment
• Ensure health and safety regulations are followed
• Clean and maintain sidewalks, streets, roads and public grounds
• Change machinery attachments
• Cart and spread topsoil and other materials
• Keep logs and maintain records
• Operate industrial trucks, tractors and other mobile equipment
• Troubleshoot and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions
• Attach components and adjust new farm equipment
• Clean machines and equipment
• Assist with record management

Credentials Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses

• Pesticide Applicator's Licence
• Forklift Operator Certification

Experience and specialization Type of crops

• Grapes

Equipment and machinery experience

• Fertilizer applicator
• Sprayer or duster
• Tractor
• Farm truck
• Manure spreader
• Planting equipment
• Tillage equipment
• Skidsteer
• Forklift
• Hand tools
• Tractor mower

Transportation/travel experience

• Short‑haul

Area of work experience

• Equipment safety assessment

Equipment

• Small tractors (lawn/snow removal attachments)

Additional information Transportation/travel information

• Own transportation
• Driver's abstract

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Ability to work independently
• Physically demanding
• Repetitive tasks
• Attention to detail
• Handling heavy loads
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Hand‑eye co‑ordination
• Sound discrimination
• Sitting
• Walking
• Bending, crouching, kneeling

Own tools/equipment

• Steel‑toed safety boots

Personal suitability

• Team player
• Flexibility
• Judgement
• Reliability
• Quick learner

Benefits Financial benefits

• Piece work

Other benefits

• Free parking available
• Learning/training paid by employer
• Other benefits
• Team building opportunities
• Variable or compressed work week