Ranch Heavy Equipment Operator

Role Summary:

Efficiently and safely operate various types of heavy equipment or spray rigs to clear, treat, or reclaim pasturelands for wildlife habitat and/or grazing improvement.  This could also include repair of roads, other terrain or earthen structures, planting, or other tasks as assigned.

What to Expect in the Role:

•   Fasten attachments and implements to tractors or other equipment with clevis, wedge, or other type hitches.
•   Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to equipment to provide power to raise, lower, or tilt a wide variety of attachments and applicators.
•   Moves levers to control tool bars, buckets, carriers, disks, spray apparatus, etc. as appropriate for terrain.
•   Moves levers and depresses pedals to maneuver tractor and raise, lower, and tilt attachments to conduct proper application and treatment as per King Ranch prescribed protocols for each treatment application.
•   Feels levers and listens for stalling action of engine to estimate depth of cut, capability of machine, etc.
•   Safely operates various equipment (tractors, excavators, spray rigs, dozers, loaders, etc.) in successive passes over rough and uneven terrain for brush management purposes.
•   Grease, oil, and perform minor repairs on equipment as needed and as per protocols.
•   Responsible for daily maintenance and inspection of all equipment prior to use, and for operating in such a manner to prevent undue wear or damage to equipment.
•   Aid in the safe conduction of prescribed burn plans, including pre-burn treatments (such as disking) that may be required.
•   Report any damage to equipment, or unsuitability of equipment or terrain for the assigned treatment, immediately to supervisor.

What We Will Be Needing From You:

•   Minimum High School Diploma required.
•   Some previous heavy equipment operation experience preferred
•   Ability to follow GPS treatment patterns, identify individual plant species for treatment, and follow complex treatment protocols or instructions.
•   Ability to operate safely and efficiently, or rapidly learn to operate safely and efficiently, a wide variety of heavy or other equipment as may be used by King Ranch from time to time.
•   Ability to manage properly and safely, mix, handle, and apply herbicides, fertilizers, fuels, and lubricants. 
•   Ability to mix various compounds accurately and safely as per supervisor instructions. 
•   Ability to read and comprehend instructions, including maps.
•   Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.
•   Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing and maintain status as an approved driver for the company and to safely operate vehicles.  
•   Ability to safely work alone and take personal responsibility for making sound judgements as regards operation of equipment.
•   Ability to successfully complete herbicide applicator course for license if required.