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Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator Jobs in Kansas

Tractor Operator

Fort Riley, KS · On-site

$19.98/hr

Tractor Operator Location: Junction City, Kansas - Fort Riley Grounds Type: Non-Exempt Work ... contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through ...

Tractor Operator Location: Junction City, Kansas - Fort Riley Grounds Type: Non-Exempt Work ... contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through ...

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Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator information

What is an independent contractor farm tractor operator?

An Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator is a self-employed individual who operates tractors and related machinery on farms, usually under contract rather than as a direct employee. Their duties often include tilling, planting, harvesting, and maintaining farm equipment. They work for various clients and are responsible for managing their own schedules, equipment, and business expenses. This role requires strong mechanical skills, knowledge of agricultural practices, and the ability to work independently. Independent contractors also handle their own taxes and insurance, unlike traditional farm employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor farm tractor operator?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator, you need expertise in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, a valid driver's license (often a CDL), and a strong understanding of farm safety regulations. Familiarity with GPS-guided equipment, modern tractor controls, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Self-motivation, problem-solving, and clear communication with farm managers or landowners set top operators apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and productive farm operations while minimizing downtime and costly errors.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor farm tractor operators, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractor farm tractor operators often encounter challenges such as equipment maintenance, varying work hours due to weather or crop needs, and adapting to different farm environments. Managing these challenges requires strong time management, proactive equipment checks, and good communication with farm owners or managers. Building a network of local mechanics and staying updated on equipment best practices can help reduce downtime and ensure smooth operations. Flexibility and a willingness to learn about each farm’s specific protocols also contribute to success in this role.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator vs Farm Equipment Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Farm Tractor OperatorFarm Equipment Technician
CredentialsBasic tractor operation licenses or certifications, if requiredTechnical certifications or degrees in agricultural equipment repair
Work EnvironmentFields, farms, outdoor settingsWorkshops, repair shops, outdoor farm sites
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or contracted with farmsEmployers or repair service providers in agriculture
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator primarily focuses on operating tractors in the field, often as a self-employed worker or contractor. In contrast, a Farm Equipment Technician specializes in repairing and maintaining farm machinery. While both roles serve the agricultural industry, they differ in skills, credentials, and daily tasks, with the tractor operator emphasizing fieldwork and the technician focusing on equipment repair.

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator jobs in Kansas?

For Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Farm Tractor Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Tractor Operator

Tessera

Fort Riley, KS • On-site

$19.98/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Tractor Operator

Location: Junction City, Kansas - Fort Riley Grounds

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full Time, Day Shift

Compensation: $19.98 - 19.98 per hour

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

Full-Time benefits of a Tractor Operator at Tessera include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement plan, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

  • $5.25 per hour Health and Welfare Benefit

  • Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care

  • 11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 10 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave

  • Potential shared earning bonus

  • Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents

  • Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities

  • Verizon wireless discount

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

  • Weeding and cultivating landscape beds; applying mulch, planting grass, flowers, trees, and shrubs, pruning and trimming of shrubs and trees, removing grass from cracks in sidewalks and pavement, irrigation, erosion control, cleanup of turf areas and carts away debris, litter, and other items. Water all grass, trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, and improve areas when needed. Shall maintain grounds and road shoulders for the areas specified.

  • Removes snow from walks, driveways, roads, or parking lots, using shovel and snow blower, spreads salt on walkways and other areas.

  • Mows, trims, and edges turf areas using small and large tools and equipment (up to and over 2000 lbs.) Items to include but not limited to mowers, lawn vacuum/blowing devices, rakes, tractors, equipment with mowing accessories, string trimmers, edgers, and other equipment (not to exceed a total weight of 25,000 lbs) as required to perform work under this functional area.

  • Remove grass trimming, trash, fallen leaves, and other debris from lawns and paved areas. Mulches, weeds, removes thatch, aerates, trims, and edges around flower beds, walks, pathways, roads, walls, and other borders using small walking type and/or large mowers (over 2000 lbs.).

  • Assists in the repair of roads, walks, buildings, and mechanical equipment, and may clean comfort stations, offices workshop areas, and parking lots by sweeping, washing, mopping, and polishing.

  • Fastens attachments such as graders, plows, rollers, mowers up to and over 2000 lbs., backhoes, seeders, and disc harrows to the tractor, adjusts equipment for proper operation, lubricates and makes minor repairs to tractor and attachments such as tightening bolts and replacing washers, cotter pins, and screws.

  • Drives and/or operates gasoline or diesel-powered tractors (not to exceed a total weight of 25,000 lbs), gang mowers, chain saws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, and other equipment to move materials, draw implements, tow trailers, pull out objects embedded in the ground, pull cable of winch to raise, lower, or load heavy material or equipment, trim, prune, repair, clean all service grounds.

  • Utilize chainsaws to safely cut down limbs and trees.

Qualifications:

  • 1 year of Grounds Maintenance preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.

  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

  • May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.

  • Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.

  • Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements:

  • A valid state driver's license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera's insurance.

  • Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Union Affiliation:

This position is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 101.

* Union Affiliation: This position is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 101

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Date Posted: 07/10/2026

*** Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.

Please visit this website for more information:https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

To Apply: Visit our website at www.tessera.org to complete an application.

Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance.

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at

(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or emailrecruiting@tessera.org.

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify