Equipment Specialist (Area 2) in Clewiston, FL at U.S. Sugar

Job Description

Why U.S. Sugar?

Employees are our most valuable asset. When we succeed, our employees succeed. Many have an ownership stake in our privately held business through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). As we grow, we hire new employees who are knowledgeable, energetic and committed to keeping us on the cutting-edge of our industry. We reward them with challenging work, opportunities to learn and grow, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment where safety is our top priority.

Job Summary: Operate a variety of farm machinery and equipment in varying conditions (i.e. heavy traffic, isolated areas, weather, populated areas, etc) Equipment may include but is not limited to one or more of the following:

 Self Propelled Spray Operator

1. Set and/or program computer accurately and correctly enter all data into spray computer taking into consideration gallons, field size, variables, etc.
2. Ability to read and understand all chemical labels
3. Training certificate for pesticide handling and/or cleaning the related equipment
   1. WPS Handler
4. Ability to mix and make necessary adjustments to apply chemical at proper rate
5. Determine wind speed and direction
6. Recognize potential drift dangers
   1. Communicate to supervision when potential drift dangers deter current spray plan
7. Handle spills according to standard policies and procedures
8. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
9. Know and understand self propelled spray rig limitations and specifications
10. Prerequisite for this skill is the Spray Operator (9 row)

Grader Operator

1. Set a plant line in the proper location
2. Edge cane free of any damage
3. Operate the scarifier
4. Properly grade roadways (slope away from canal, slope up toward RR tracks, etc.)
   1. Know specific requirements when grading near RR crossings
5. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
6. Know and understand grader limitations and specificationsWater Control Operations
7.  

1. Ability to read, understand and report water table gauges, rain gauges, thermometers and weather records
2. Knowledge and understanding of United States Sugar Corporations’ B.M.P. regulations Manipulation of water control devices to ensure proper field irrigation and drainage per instructions
3. Communicate pumping report information to management team as needed
4. Possess/obtain valid driver’s license
5. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
6. Know and understand all water equipment as well as limitations and specifications

1. Understand all field operations on farm
2. Ability to effectively convey/relay instructions
   1. Solid communication skills
   2. Read and understand supervisor instructions
3. Attend supervisory training
4. Possess valid Driver’s License
5. Ability to enter data into various computer systemsFertilizer Applicator
6.  

1. Correctly set computer (gate, Mid-Tech system, etc.) at recommended rate to ensure optimum results
2. Check application pattern to ensure proper application
3. Load and unload fertilizer trailers properly
4. Handle fertilizer spills according to standard policies and proceduresMixer/Loader
5.  
6.  

1. Ability to read and understand all chemical labels
2. Training certificate for pesticide handling and/or cleaning the related equipment
   1. WPS Handler
3. Ability to operate mix wagon properly and ensure chemicals are mixed according to management and/or work order instructions
4. Ability to follow mix recipe in proper sequence taking into consideration pH bonding, etc.
   1. Have solid understanding which chemicals need to be mixed first
   2. Know potential hazards/outcomes of adding chemicals out of sequence
5. Handle spills according to standard policies and procedures
   1. WPS Handler
6. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
7. Know and understand spray rig limitations and specifications
8. Prerequisite for this skill is the Spray Operator (9 row)Spray Operator (9 Row or less)
9.  

1. Ability to read and understand all chemical labels
2. Training certificate for pesticide handling and/or cleaning the related equipment
   1. WPS Handler
3. Ability to mix and make necessary adjustments to apply chemical at proper rate
4. Determine wind speed and direction
   1. Recognize potential drift dangers
      1. Communicate to supervision when potential drift dangers deter current spray plan
5. Handle spills according to standard policies and procedures
6. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
7. Know and understand spray rig limitations and specifications  
8. Plow Operator
9.  
10.  

1. Knowledge of adjustments and settings to obtain proper depth and uniform spacing
2. Knowledge of starting and stopping points for specified field
3. Operate equipment ensuring accurate speed
4. Understanding of proper procedure for turning the equipment when necessary
5. Adjust implements according to specific field conditions
6. Ability to detect when shear bolts need replacing and change as necessary
7. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
8. Know and understand plow limitations and specifications

1. Know exact location of fields
2. Understand and correctly interpret farm cultivation mapPlant Cane Cultivation Operator
3.  

1. Proper judgment of speed for tractor operation
2. Working knowledge and ability to adjust all implements
3. Exercise judgment to ensure plant is free from damage
4. Understand correct left and right roller gang applications
5. Correctly set scratchers (i.e. spacing, teeth settings, etc.)

1. Follow and adhere to burning instructions as directed by management
2. Ability to properly extinguish wildfires
3. Solid knowledge of proper procedures to approach wildfire from various angles
4. Properly operate tank with solid understanding of valves and other apparatus on tank
5. Ability to wet roads correctly
   1. Operate valve
   2. Troubleshoot
   3. Ensure proper water level in tankGrab Loader Operator
   4.  

1. Load seed cane free of any damage
2. Clear farm of any unnecessary debris
3. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
4. Know and understand Grab Loader limitations and specifications

1. Understand all safety procedures involved with setting up and transporting reel rain
2. Know how to properly lock down reel rain before moving to avoid damage
3. Check and set rate of water being applied to field
4. Accurately determine when mechanical adjustments need to be made to machine to prevent damage to drive system
5. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
6. Know and understand Reel Rain limitations and specificationsBulldozer Operations
7.  

1. Ability to cut different grades as required
2. Build roads and dikes according to proper specifications
3. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease pointsBackhoe/Combination Loader (580)
4.  

1. Know and understand Backhoe/Combination Loader limitations and specifications
2. Replace culverts when needed
3. Clean around culverts  
4. Loading material
5. Install field ditch plugs
6. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease pointsLightning Loader Operator
7.  

1. Load various objects of many different sizes, shapes and weights into various types of trailers and hauling implements without damage to the equipment
2. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
3. Know and understand lighting loader limitations and specifications

1. Load and unload safely (dirt and/or other materials)
2. Understand and follow load limits for equipment
3. Ability to leave area smooth and at correct grade after dispersing pile
4. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
5. Know and understand pay loader limitations and specifications

1. Possess/obtain forklift operator certification
2. Load and unload safely
3. Understand and follow load limits for equipment
4. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
5. Know and understand forklift limitations and specificationsStubble Cane Cultivation Operator
6.  

1. Ability to determine proper speed for tractor operation
2. Working knowledge of proper settings and adjustments of all implements
3. Exercise good judgment to ensure plant is not damagedSide Mower Operator
4.  

1. Working knowledge of all safety precautions particular to side mowers
2. Set the implement at appropriate mowing height
3. Conduct a walk around inspection of the equipment as necessary
4. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
5. Know and understand side mower limitations and specifications

1. Knowledge of adjustments and settings to obtain proper depth and uniform spacing
2. Knowledge of starting and stopping points for specified field
3. Operate equipment ensuring accurate speed
4. Understanding of proper procedure for turning the equipment when necessary
5. Adjust implements according to specific field conditions
6. Ability to drive in a straight line
7. Knowledge that water must be available in surrounding canals to fill “mole hole”

1. Ability to operate various types of discs
2. Estimate correct gear and speed in order to produce correct tillage
3. Solid knowledge of proper procedures for entering, exiting and turning into or out of the fields according to conditions and type of disc
4. Ability to use correct path spacings
5. Knowledge of correct angle to disc fields for optimum results
6. Ability to recognize loose sections and/or bad bearingsDeck Mower Operations
7.  

1. Ability to adjust the implement for appropriate mowing height
2. Pick up debris and stump avoidance
3. Maintain consistent speed
4. Set mower to maximize effectiveness as well as be aware when mower is not at proper setting
5. Know and understand how to check fluid levels and grease points
6.  

• Operate a variety of farm machinery and equipment in varying conditions (i.e. heavy traffic, isolated areas, weather, populated areas, etc).       Equipment may include but is not limited to one or more of the following:

• Enter field data into FMx or other computerized device to ensure accuracy and precision in farming operations and field data.
• Demonstrate the ability to make necessary adjustments to the equipment to accommodate changing field conditions. Advise Area Manger and/or designated management team member of any problem areas and/or unusual conditions in a timely manner.  
• Understand and recognize the limitations of the various farm equipment.  
• Demonstrate the ability to perform service and preventative maintenance functions on a wide range of farm equipment; identify any unusual mechanical changes in the operation of equipment; communicate the state of repair or disrepair to appropriate representative.
• Complete accurate record of time worked according to time tracking procedures.
• Maintain consistent open lines of communication with Area Manager and management team; promote team atmosphere.
• Recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
• Comply with environmental regulations, safety rules and standards. Must understand and adhere to all US Sugar and Sugarcane Operations departmental policies and procedures, including but not limited to, safety policies and procedures.
• Attend departmental meetings and safety meeting when scheduled.
• All other duties as directed by management representatives.