Full Time Farm Worker and Equipment Operator

We are looking to for a full time employee. Being well-rounded, able to work well with others and being dependable are requirements that the applicant must have. This position will cover a variety of tasks and responsibilities. The scope of work changes with the seasons.

Job skills that we are looking for:

*Must get along with others and be able to work in a team environment

*Equipment repair, building repair, equipment operation, record keeping, follow instruction, open to learning

*Job includes keeping facilities neat, clean and presentable to the public and customers

*Ability to follow strict work procedures and sanitation rules is important

*Able to take notes and prioritize tasks

*Computer skills are a plus

*Must have driver's license and good driving record

Skills that are helpful but not required:

*Equipment operations, including field preparation, planting and harvest

*Operation of field trucks

*Harvest support, including equipment setup

*Operation of storage loading and unloading equipment

*Planting support, including seed lot isolation and record keeping

*Equipment maintenance/maintenance records

*Building maintenance

*Driveway and grounds/snowplowing/mowing

*Irrigation operation/maintenance

*Sprayer support

Work Schedule:

Work hours vary by season, ranging from about 45 hours per week to extremely long hours during peak seasons. On an annual basis, the overall work schedule looks like the following:

Winter- General maintenance of all equipment. Regular service and repair as needed. Fairly normal weekday hours, not really any weekend or late-night workl

Spring-

Shipping season begins in late February/early March. Assisting with seed shipping, loading trucks, maintenance as required. Hours begin to pick up in March with somewhat longer workdays and Saturdays. In April, shipping and receiving seed is full go.

When planting begins, planting support duties come up. Attention to detail at planting and shipping is critical. Seed mix-ups can be fatal to our business by resulting in a product that has no value. Some field equipment operation may be required at this time to assist in plating/tilling. Planting workdays are late and include weekends when weather requires/allows.

Summer- Post planting/shipping duties include:

*Cleaning up plating and shipping equipment along with storage bins and preparing them for the following year

*Supporting irrigation/fertilizing and spraying of potatoes when needed

*Wheat harvest usually takes a week with variable hours/days

*Fall harvest equipment prep and setup

*Full work weeks with some weekend support when needed

Fall- Potato harvest starts the week after Labor Day. All hands on deck with a concentrated effort to get all potatoes safely stored in a short period. Full days, long hours, and weekends as needed. Usually about three weeks of harvest. Wheat and rye cover crop planting is done after fields are harvested.

Post harvest- Equipment washed up, broken down and serviced for winter storage. Some fall field work/support for field prep for the following potato crop. Irrigation winterizing, towing and maintenance. Back to fairly regular hours.

Throughout the year, especially in the winter, there might be opportunities for continuing education, travel to trade shows, and other learning experiences depending on ability and interest.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kalkaska, MI: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location

Salary : $17 - $21