Irrigation Apprentice Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title
Farm Aide (Tractor Driver)
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Weslaco
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Weslaco, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Position Information
The Farm Aide (Tractor Driver), under supervision, assists with the repairs, building, and maintenance of farm vehicles and equipment. Operates farm machinery and cuts and rakes grass around farm buildings and pastures. Will transport materials, plow fields, plant seeds, harvest crops, apply fertilizer and perform tractor maintenance.
Responsibilities:

• Operate tractors and other farm equipment for tilling soil for planting, cultivating, and spreading crop seeds.
• Complete minor repairs on tractor and farm equipment.
• Drive and carrying out regular maintenance and repairs of tractors and other farm implements.
• Operate tractors safely and efficiently.
• Perform inspections of tractors and attachments like graders, rollers, and plows, and ensuring they are well-lubricated.
• Participate in the repair of farm machines, equipment, and vehicles.
• Use tractors to transport materials and pull or push agricultural equipment.
• Operate tractors with laser leveling equipment to prepare fields.
• Report any faults or concerns to the Farm Manager and other relevant stakeholders.
• Remain alert while driving and servicing the tractor; always maintain the appropriate speed limit.
• Complete maintenance duties, and using farm implements to plow, plant, harvest, spray pesticides, and more.
• Weed, irrigate, harvest, and provide general field plot maintenance support.
• Remove irrigation items from test locations upon completion of project.
• Provide help in maintaining facilities.
• Mow farm roadside areas.
• Build and repair fences around farm building, crops, and animal grazing pastures.
• Pickup and discard trash on and around Center facilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of operating tractors.
• Experience performing maintenance on tractors and other farming equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• The ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to recognize hazards and respond appropriately to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position. Knowledge of workplace health and safety practices and procedures.
• Good attention to detail and concentration skills.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and mechanical aptitude.
• Detail-oriented.
• Demonstrate strength as well as active listening skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel within the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing maintenance on tractors and other farming equipment.
• A completed apprenticeship or experience in a similar role.
• (Non-Commercial) Pesticide Applicator License

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift or move heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Should be comfortable working alone for long periods of time
• Works in varying weather conditions and during irregular hours as needed.

What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?
When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions
Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.