Position Summary
The Applicator / Machinery Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of
modern agricultural equipment used in crop production. The employee operates self-propelled
sprayers, tractors, planters, tillage equipment, seeders, and harvesting equipment while
performing field operations, maintaining machinery, and following established farm safety
procedures.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate self-propelled sprayers to apply herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and liquid
fertilizers according to label directions, farm procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Operate tractors and agricultural machinery to prepare land, perform tillage, plant, seed,
cultivate, and harvest corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and triticale.
- Load and unload seed, fertilizer, crop protection products, harvested crops, and other
agricultural materials using farm equipment.
- Calibrate spraying equipment and calculate application rates, field acreage, product
quantities, and operating speeds to ensure accurate product application.
- Monitor machinery during operation to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure
efficient field performance.
- Perform routine inspections, lubrication, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and
seasonal servicing of farm machinery and equipment.
- Carry out minor repairs and replace worn or damaged components to minimize
equipment downtime.
- Maintain accurate field operation records, including acreage covered, products applied,
application rates, and equipment maintenance activities.
- Follow all workplace health and safety procedures, including the safe handling, storage,
and transportation of agricultural chemicals and fuels.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workshop, machinery storage area, and equipment
yard.
- Assist with loading, unloading, transporting, and storing harvested crops and agricultural
inputs.
- Operate GPS-guided precision agriculture systems and electronic monitors to improve
field efficiency and application accuracy.
- Perform pre-operational and post-operational equipment inspections and report
mechanical issues requiring major repairs.
- Assist with other general crop production activities as required during peak planting and
harvest seasons.
Preferred Employment Requirements
- Operating self-propelled sprayers, tractors, planters, seeders, tillage, and harvesting
equipment
- Knowledge of crop production practices for corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and triticale.
- Ability to safely operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on agricultural equipment.
- Good mathematical skills for equipment calibration and application rate calculations.
- Knowledge of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and safe application procedures.
- Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
- Valid Ontario driver's licence. An AZ licence is considered an asset.
Working Conditions
- Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
- Standing, walking, climbing, lifting, bending, and extended periods of operating
machinery.
- Seasonal overtime required during planting, spraying, and harvest.
- Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, and agricultural chemicals while following appropriate
safety procedures and using personal protective equipment.
Hours and Compensation
- 40 hours per week, with overtime during peak agricultural seasons.
- One-year full-time employment contract.