SeasonalJobs.dol.gov

Job Description

Full Time:

Yes

Number of Workers Requested:

4

Job Duties:

Agricultural Equipment Operator (SOC Code 45-2091) Task Overview: Hedging, Topping, and Skirting Citrus Trees The Agricultural Equipment Operator will perform critical tasks necessary for maintaining citrus groves, ensuring optimal tree canopy management for light penetration, fruit production, and efficient grove operations. These tasks are essential for preserving tree health, maintaining yield consistency, and adhering to best practices in grove sanitation and disease management. Key Responsibilities: Operate Agricultural Machinery: Drive and control specialized equipment such as tractors, trucks, pruning machines, and skid steers to perform hedging, topping, and skirting of citrus trees. Manipulate controls to activate, adjust, and optimize cutting mechanisms for precise tree canopy management. Hedging Operations: Trim the sides of citrus trees to reduce crowding between rows, allowing better light penetration and equipment access. Perform maintenance hedging at a 10–15 degree angle to maximize light exposure to lower canopy layers. Execute annual or biennial hedging schedules, depending on grove conditions and grower preferences, ensuring minimal crop loss while maintaining canopy shape. Topping Operations: Reduce tree height by removing vegetation from the tops of trees to improve light distribution, facilitate mechanical harvesting, and reduce harvesting costs. Utilize flat-top or angled-top methods, maintaining tree heights consistent with grove standards (e.g., 16–18 feet for optimal light and equipment functionality). Skirting Operations: Raise the lower canopy by removing low-hanging branches, improving irrigation distribution, air circulation, and disease management. Skirting also aids in reducing soil-borne diseases and enhancing access for mechanical harvesting and grove maintenance. Maintenance and Adjustments: Inspect and repair machinery to ensure optimal functionality during operations. Clean and sanitize equipment before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases such as citrus canker and greening. Observational Duties: Monitor equipment performance during operation, listening for irregularities and promptly addressing malfunctions. This role is integral to ensuring that citrus groves remain productive and accessible while minimizing the impact of diseases and maintaining a sustainable yield. Workers must follow safety protocols, maintain cleanliness standards, and perform these duties with precision and care to meet industry best practices.

Job Classification:

45-2091.00 - Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job Requirements

Experience Required:

No

Special Requirements:

Workers must have a valid, insurable drivers license or be eligible to apply for same at no cost to the worker. All new employees are subject to a post-hire, employer-paid drug test. Any employee who declines to take or fails this drug test will be terminated and paid for all hours worked, if any.

Number of Hours Per Week:

36

Work Schedule (Start/End time):

7:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

Employer Information

Company Name:

Chapa Global Contracting, Inc.

Location:

McAllen, TX 78503

Worksite

Address:

CONNER: 10521 North Minnesota Road, Citrus City, TX 78574

Job Order Details

ETA Case Number:

H-300-24335-507698

Multiple Worksites:

No

Date Posted:

12/20/2024

Piece Rate Offer

$0.00

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