Tractor Driver – Laser Weeder/Thinner Operator

Church Brothers Farms; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Church Brothers Farms in Salinas, CA and Imperial Valley, CA seeks a Tractor Driver – Laser Weeder/Thinner Operator to run a Carbon Robotics laser weeder and thinner implement. This is a full-time, two-shift role (~60 hours/week) with pay starting at $20.00/hour plus DOE.

You will perform pre/post inspections, monitor machine performance via GPS/auto-steer, keep accurate records, and coordinate with field crews.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years experience operating agricultural tractors in row crop production.
• Valid California driver’s license with clean record.
• Ability to learn technology-based equipment interfaces; bilingual a plus.
• Ability to work flexible schedule including nights, weekends, holidays.
• Strong safety record and mechanical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Operate a tractor pulling the Carbon Robotics laser weeder/thinner through row crop fields.
• Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections of the tractor and implement.
• Report mechanical, software, or maintenance issues promptly to the supervisor.
• Utilize in-cab displays, GPS/auto-steer guidance, and monitoring interfaces.
• Maintain clean and orderly tractor and implement; document operation records.
• Coordinate with ranch and harvest personnel to avoid field conflicts.
• Assist with machine transport/setup between fields and ranches as needed.
• Follow safety procedures and report incidents immediately.
• Record acres, hours, downtime, cleaning, maintenance, and fuel usage.

Skills

Tractor operation

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

GPS/auto-steer

Monitoring software/interfaces

Job description

Tractor Driver – Laser Weeder/Thinner Operator

Department: Agricultural Operations – Automation

Reports To: Ag Ops Seed Genetics & Automation Supervisor

Location: Salinas, CA and Imperial Valley, CA

Pay Range: $20.00 + DOE

Work Schedule: This position is full-time and operates as part of a two-shift program (10- and 11-hour shifts, approximately 60 hours per week) designed to maximize machine utilization.

The Tractor Driver – Laser Weeder/Thinner Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a tractor equipped with a Carbon Robotics automated laser weeding and thinning implement for CB Harvesting, LLC across company ranch locations. This position reports to the Ag Ops Seed Genetics & Automation Supervisor and must adapt to schedule, field, and work assignment changes. The operator is responsible for monitoring machine performance during operation, performing the daily cleaning and routine care of the machine, and maintaining accurate operational records.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operate a tractor pulling the Carbon Robotics laser weeder/thinner through row crop fields at prescribed ground speeds, maintaining proper alignment with beds and rows to ensure effective weeding and thinning performance.

Perform daily pre-operation and post-operation inspections of the tractor and implement (fluids, tires, hitch and hydraulic connections, guards, safety interlocks) to ensure proper working condition.

Report any mechanical, software, or maintenance issues to the Automation Manager promptly and document findings.

Utilize in-cab displays, GPS/auto-steer guidance, and machine monitoring interfaces to track implement performance; recognize error codes, alerts, and abnormal operating conditions and respond or elevate appropriately.

Perform the daily cleaning of the machine, including removal of dust, mud, and plant debris from cameras, lenses, sensors, and enclosures in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Follow all field instructions regarding crop type, thinning specifications, field boundaries, and buffer zones; coordinate with ranch and harvest personnel to avoid conflicts in the field.

Support machine transport and setup between fields and ranches, including safe hookup, road travel in compliance with company and DOT/vehicle code requirements, and field staging.

Keep the tractor and implement clean and orderly at all times.

Perform safety checks and preventive maintenance as needed, following laser safety and lockout/tagout procedures during cleaning and maintenance.

Record and report any incidents or accidents to you supervisor immediately.

Maintain accurate daily records of acres covered, hours operated, downtime, cleaning and maintenance performed, and fuel usage.

Communicate shift-change information to the incoming operator to support continuous two-shift operation, including machine status, field position, and any open issues.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Agricultural Operations management.

NOTE: This document describes the general functions of the Tractor Driver – Laser Weeder/Thinner Operator position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or skills required. CBH reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job functions as necessary.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 1-2 years of experience operating agricultural tractors in row crop production, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Valid California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Ability to learn and reliably operate technology-based equipment interfaces (touch screens, GPS/auto-steer, monitoring software); prior precision agriculture or automated equipment experience strongly preferred.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, complete required records, and communicate machine issues clearly; bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Ability to work flexibly and adapt to schedule, shift, and work assignment changes.

Good mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a strong safety record.

Outdoor work with exposure to various weather conditions, dust, and noise, including night work under artificial lighting.

Variable hours based on a 10- and 11-hour two-shift schedule (approximately 60 hours per week), including nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

Possibility of long operating hours and prolonged periods of sitting while maintaining alert operation.

Analysis of Physical Demands

Key (Based on typical week):

N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)

F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)

Church Brothers Farms is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.