Farm Hayride Driver / Operator

Hidden-Valley-Orchards; Lebanon (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Hidden Valley Orchards in Lebanon, Ohio is seeking dependable Tractor & Hayride Drivers to join our farm team for seasonal weekend work. You’ll operate tractors and hayride wagons and assist guests across the orchard while prioritizing safety and a positive guest experience.

Ideal candidates are comfortable with large equipment, can stay calm around families and children, and are willing to help with related farm tasks during busy periods. CDL is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license with safe driving history.
• CDL strongly preferred but not required for relevant experience.
• Ability to operate tractors and farm equipment safely around guests.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate tractors pulling hayride wagons.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of tractors and wagons.
• Follow routes, speed limits, and loading procedures.
• Load and unload guests and ensure seating.
• Maintain equipment and report safety concerns.
• Assist with traffic control and event setup.
• Provide friendly guest service and answer questions.

Skills

Tractor operation

Guest interaction

Safety-conscious

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tractors

Hayride wagons

Farm equipment

Job description

Want to do something fun with your weekends, work outdoors, operate real farm equipment, and help create memorable days for families visiting Hidden Valley Orchards?

Hidden Valley Orchards is seeking dependable, safety-minded Tractor & Hayride Drivers to join our farm team.

This is more than a driving job. Our tractor drivers are an important part of the guest experience at Hidden Valley. You may be transporting families through the orchard, helping guests safely board and unload hayride wagons, answering questions about the farm, and helping thousands of visitors enjoy a fun and memorable day together.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating tractors or other substantial machinery, has excellent judgment around people and equipment, and understands that safety comes before speed or convenience. We are looking for mature, responsible individuals who can remain calm and attentive while operating equipment around children, families, pedestrians, vehicles, and other farm activity.

When not actively driving, Tractor & Hayride Drivers who are willing to may assist with other farm, grounds, event, or guest-experience responsibilities.

This is a seasonal position, and we hope you can share your driving skills and mechanical aptitude to delight visitors.

• Safely operate tractors pulling passenger hayride wagons throughout the farm and orchard.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of tractors, wagons, hitches, tires, brakes, lights, and other safety equipment.
• Follow established routes, speed limits, loading procedures, and operating rules at all times.
• Safely load and unload guests and ensure passengers are seated and ready before moving.
• Remain highly aware of children, pedestrians, vehicles, animals, terrain, and other activity around the tractor.
• Stop operations immediately if an unsafe situation develops.
• Communicate clearly and courteously with guests and other team members.
• Welcome guests and help make hayrides a fun and positive part of their visit to Hidden Valley.
• Answer basic questions about the farm, orchard, crops, activities, and property when appropriate.
• Maintain tractors and wagons in clean and orderly condition and promptly report mechanical or safety concerns.
• Assist with directing traffic, parking, guest movement, and event operations as needed.
• Help with basic farm, grounds, setup, cleanup, or equipment-related work between driving assignments.
• Follow all Hidden Valley safety procedures and instructions from farm management.
• Work cooperatively with admissions, farm, events, maintenance, and guest-service teams during busy periods.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving history.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate tractors, farm equipment, construction equipment, commercial vehicles, or similar machinery.
• CDL is strongly preferred but is not required for candidates with substantial relevant equipment-operating experience.
• Strong judgment and a consistent safety-first mindset.
• Ability to comfortably operate equipment around large numbers of guests, including young children.
• Dependable and punctual, particularly for scheduled weekend and event shifts.
• Ability to communicate clearly with guests and coworkers.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to climb on and off tractors and equipment repeatedly during a shift.
• Ability to perform physical work such as lifting, moving equipment, and assisting with farm or event setup.
• Availability for weekends, holidays, fall season, and other peak farm periods is strongly preferred.

$18.00–$23.00 per hour, based on experience, equipment-operating background, licensing, availability, and ability to take on additional responsibilities.

Candidates with significant tractor, heavy-equipment, commercial-driving, CDL, mechanical, or farm experience may qualify toward the upper end of the range.

About Hidden Valley Orchards

Hidden Valley Orchards is a working orchard and destination farm in Lebanon, Ohio. Families visit Hidden Valley to pick apples, enjoy food and drinks, attend events, explore the farm, and spend time together.

Our goal is to create a place where guests can experience a real farm while making memories with family and friends. Every member of our team contributes to that experience—from the people growing our crops and preparing our food to the team members driving families through the orchard.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, helping people, and being part of a busy farm environment, we'd love to hear from you.