Sugar Equipment Operator - Seasonal

Sugar-Cane-Growers-Cooperative-of-Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to operate loaders, forklifts, tractors, and trailers across our Sugar operations in Palm Beach County. You will support sugar and molasses handling while maintaining safety and efficiency on site.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, a valid Class E license, and ability to perform routine maintenance checks. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred to support a diverse team.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate a wide variety of heavy equipment used in sugar production.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in high-pressure environments.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address operational issues quickly and effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy machinery such as loaders, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, bulldozers, trains, jockey trucks, and trailers.
• Load and unload sugar, molasses, and related materials with forklifts, loaders, and similar equipment.
• Transport sugarcane and molasses to designated locations.
• Perform routine maintenance checks on all equipment and report any repairs needed.
• Maintain clean and organized workspaces in compliance with safety standards.
• Assist in manual labor tasks as needed, such as cleaning equipment and handling materials.
• Performs other related projects and assignments as business dictates.

Skills

Safety-focused operation

Mechanical aptitude

Independent worker

Problem solving

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CDL or heavy equipment certs

Driver’s License Class E

Job description

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Heavy Equipment Operator (Sugar Equipment Operator) operates various heavy equipment used in sugar production, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of sugar and molasses materials. This role includes the operation of loaders, forklifts, jockey trucks, trains, and trailers in support of agricultural and mill operations.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Operate and maintain heavy machinery such as loaders, forklifts, tractors, backhoes, bulldozers, trains, jockey trucks, and trailers.Load and unload sugar, molasses, and related materials with forklifts, loaders, and similar equipment.Transport sugarcane and molasses to designated locations.Perform routine maintenance checks on all equipment and report any repairs needed.Maintain clean and organized workspaces in compliance with safety standards.Assist in manual labor tasks as needed, such as cleaning equipment and handling materials.Performs other related projects and assignments as business dictates.SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Ability to safely and efficiently operate a wide variety of heavy equipment used in the sugar industry.Strong mechanical aptitude for routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in high-pressure environments.Problem-solving skills to identify and address operational issues quickly and effectively.Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work as part of a team.Bilingual and Biliterate in English and Spanish is preferred.LICENSES REQUIRED:Driver’s License Class E required.CDL or other heavy equipment operator certifications are preferred.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:High school diploma or any combination of education, training, and work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties/responsibilities of this position.3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment preferred.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Regular attendance is required during your scheduled shift.Must be able to work in hot, cold, wet, humid, dusty, and foggy working conditions depending on the weather.Must be able to work in all positions (overhead, kneeling, reaching, crawling & working in small workspaces) & be able to lift up to 50 pounds.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 that are equally as 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.