Crop Farmer - Full Time

Full Time: a position averaging 35 hours per week.

The Agriculture Department's Crop Farmer is charged with the operation of various heavy equipment, agriculture tractors with large mowers and blades, center track loaders, combines, livestock/equipment trailers and large dump trucks. The position is charged with performing tasks that can involve field work related to crop production, pasture and field maintenance, and various grading and other equipment needs, as well as general support for the agriculture department. The incumbent will also provide general support and assistance to the department, leadership, and company.

Shift Availability- Monday-Friday 6:00am-4:00pm/4 days per week

Requirements

1. High school diploma. Two-year college degree in a related field (turf maintenance, horticulture, agriculture) and/or additional training, and certifications strongly preferred.
2. Two (2) years of related experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience considered. The ideal candidate will have had prior experience operating equipment (tractors, balers, dump truck etc.) in a similar environment or other guest service setting.
3. Demonstrated commitment to providing world class internal & external guest service.
4. Strong knowledge of equipment safety and operational protocols, as well as the ability to identify shrubs, trees, and other flora and identify issues.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; conveys information clearly, concisely; builds positive, professional relationships; team player; works effectively independently.
6. Strong planning, organizational, time/project management skills; adapts and prioritizes work; focus on quality and keen attention to details.
7. Proactive, exercises good judgment; creatively problem solves and troubleshoots.
8. Professionally represents company at all times.

Essential Job Duties

1. Operates heavy agriculture equipment including, but not limited to, construction equipment, front end loader, bulldozer, dump truck, tractor, and rotary brush hog mowers. Will also operate agriculture equipment including tractors, planter, disk, plow, sprayer, harrow and rotary mower.
2. Provides support for hay production, including forage planting, harvest, baling, and storage. Can involve seasonal full days during harvest periods.
3. Provide overall support to the agriculture department including field mowing, fence building, pasture mowing, pasture or crop field spraying, fence line maintenance, vehicle and equipment maintenance and upkeep, livestock area upkeep, manure handling, manure spreading and other responsibilities at the direction of department leadership
4. Operates small equipment including, weedeaters, backpack blowers, backpack sprayers, and hand and power tools. Responsible for maintenance of small power equipment, vehicles, tractors, mowers, trucks and other work-related equipment.
5. Provide support and emergency response to storm clean up, winter storm road preparations, flooding, livestock emergencies as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Ensures proper maintenance and storage of equipment and tools and organization of tool sheds and garage.
2. On call 24 hours a day and on weekends in winter to plow snow and spread sand, salt and brine for safe travel on Estate roads and parking lots by guests and staff.
3. Ensures compliance of all OSHA and safety regulations in accordance with department standards.
4. Provides general support and assistance to the department, leadership, and company as required.

The Biltmore Company considers a consistently positive, cooperative, self-motivated, courteous, and professional attitude to be an essential function of every position. Employees must be able to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving of instructions: (a) can get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extremes and (b) respond appropriately to criticism from a supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

1. Obtain a NC Commercial Pesticide Applicators license within one year of hire.
2. Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead. Ability to lift 25-50 lbs, frequently; 50-100 lbs. occasionally
3. Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed.
4. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions. Airborne particulates (dust, pollen, smoke, etc.) may also be present depending on season.