Farm Machinery Operator Job in Massachusetts

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Taylor in Employment, Farming // 0 Comments

Farm Machinery Operator Wanted for the 2022 Season on Hutchins Farm in Massachusetts

Hutchins Farm in Concord Massachusetts is seeking an individual with machinery experience and agricultural aspirations to join our team beginning in spring 2022. With over 60 acres under management, Hutchins Farm is one of the oldest diversified, certified-organic vegetable and fruit operations in the state. We grow approximately 40 acres of annual vegetable crops each season, and manage 5 acres of apple orchards and an acre of blueberries, selling at our on-site farmstand and at three local farmers markets.

Farm Machinery Operator Responsibilities:

The exact job description will depend on the applicants experience and interest, but the position will have especial emphasis on tractor operations, including subsoiling, plowing, disking, seeding, planting, cultivation, spraying, mowing, and material handling. Tractors include old IH Farmall models we use for cultivation, high clearance offset models from the 1980s used for cultivation and seeding, and 40-100 HP utility tractors (several with loaders) to execute other tasks such as tillage, spraying, loading and unloading trucks, and mowing. Timely, accurate and efficient execution of machinery operations is critical to the day-to-day operation and long-term success of our farm.

Other smaller machinery work may include work with chainsaws, mowers, trimmers and irrigation pumps.

The position may also include involvement with crop planning, harvest operations, deployment of wildlife exclusion fencing, supervising labor, machinery and building repair, irrigation, and other aspects of the operation depending on the needs of the farm, and the interest and aptitude of the individual.

Qualifications:

Some experience and comfort operating moderate sized tractors, including experience hooking up and using three-point hitch and drawbar implements, and operating a front-end loader. We will provide extensive training using our specific equipment, but we are looking for a person who already has a good grasp of the fundamentals of operating and maintaining farm machinery. This position will involve many hours operating equipment.
A strong interest and experience in organic agricultural practices and a commitment to producing high quality, responsibly grown produce.
Strong communication skills – this job requires frequent communication between colleagues.
Be able to make a season long commitment.
Be able to lift at least 50lbs repeatedly.
Have a valid driver’s license

Compensation:

This position will be full-time during the ‘growing season’ (April through November) with possible part-time employment during the remainder of the year. Ideally, a mutually satisfactory first season would be followed by year-round, open-ended employment with expanded roles and responsibilities.

Hourly compensation based on experience and free vegetables from the farm. There is the potential of year-round salary and employer paid health insurance after the first year. Potentially a small apartment near the farm may be available, and a housing stipend to assist with rent.

For any questions about the position please contact Liza at Liza@HutchinsFarm.com and any interested, qualified individuals should submit a resume and cover letter. Please see www.hutchinsfarm.com for more information about the farm. Please no phone calls. Position is open until filled.