Irrigators and Agricultural Equipment Operators

Foothill Packing Inc; Yuma (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Foothill Packing Inc in Yuma, Arizona, is seeking an irrigation and agricultural equipment operator. Responsibilities include performing irrigation work, operating tractors, and conducting maintenance and repairs. The role requires physical stamina, equipment safety training, and the ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures.

Ideal candidates will have a month of experience as an irrigator, basic tractor operation knowledge, and the ability to lift heavy loads. Commitment to safety standards is essential during all operations.

Qualifications

• 1 month of work experience as an irrigator and agricultural equipment operator.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. frequently.
• Must comply with all worker protection standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform general irrigation work in vegetable fields using drip and sprinkler systems.
• Conduct maintenance in and around vegetable fields such as bird control and weeding.
• Drive tractors for sprinkler irrigation pipe installation safely under company safety procedures.

Skills

Tractor operation

Irrigation system knowledge

GPS operating systems

Physical stamina

Job description

The position involves irrigation and agricultural equipment operation for vegetable fields, requiring hands‑on work, machinery operation, and adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform general irrigation work in vegetable fields using drip and sprinkler systems, including installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Start and stop surface and subsurface irrigation with syphon tubes and monitor elevation in head water by opening and closing irrigation gates.
• Assist in starting and stopping pumps for surface and subsurface drip irrigated fields.
• Conduct maintenance in and around vegetable fields such as bird control, weeding with a long‑handle hoe around irrigation valves, borders, and trash removal.
• Drive tractors for sprinkler irrigation pipe installation and perform tractor driving activities safely under company safety procedures.
• Report breakdowns and maintain performance standards, including filling out maintenance and progression sheets.
• Operate farm equipment for field preparation, including planting, cultivating, fertilizing, and maintaining farms.
• Attach and adjust farm implements to tractors such as discs, plows, lasers, rippers, cultivators, listers, and planters to ensure optimal performance.
• Conduct daily maintenance checks before operating tractors, monitor tractor operation, and drive safely over difficult terrain.
• Make minor adjustments and repairs to tractors and operate GPS operating systems.
• Carry out cleaning duties including field cleaning before, during, and after harvest, picking up trash, and other duties directly related to primary responsibilities.
• Perform all operations related to sprinkler pipe irrigation, including maintenance, storage, unstacking irrigation pipes from seasonal storage yards, restacking onto portable trailers, and installing them into fields.
• Remove and stack sprinklers in portable trailers as required.
• Accept temporary work assignments in the event of work‑related injury, under specific limitations and physician clearance, but assignments are not permanent positions.

Qualifications

• Must have 1 month of work experience as an irrigator and agricultural equipment operator.
• Basic knowledge of tractor operation and must pass tractor safety training.
• Demonstrated ability to operate tractor safely and efficiently over difficult terrain.
• Knowledge of tractor mechanics for making simple adjustments and repairs.
• Experience operating GPS operating systems.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. frequently and use hand tools.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather conditions (rain, cold, high winds, etc.).
• Must work outdoors in extreme temperatures ranging from 30°F to over 100°F.
• Must maintain good personal hygiene and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hot and cold conditions.
• No smoking, alcohol, or firearms on the field or housing.
• Must listen to, understand, and follow instructions from supervisors and managers.
• Must comply with all worker protection standards and re‑entry time restrictions for pesticides and other chemicals.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• All work requires an able‑bodied person capable of lifting up to 60 lbs., bending, stooping, walking, and standing extensively.
• Exposed to sun, mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, wet, humid, warm, and dry conditions.
• Potential exposure to plant pollens, insects, noxious plants, and treated plant materials.