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On Farms

Mobile Plant Operator

Core tasks

  • Adjust, repair and service farm machinery and equipment in readiness for planting and harvesting activities.
  • Attach a range of equipment to tractors including plows, discs, harvesters, and sprayers.
  • Operate tractors and associated equipment for soil conditioning, tilling, seeding, spraying, harvesting, baling and mobile storage systems.
  • Harvest a range of produce using mechanical harvesters.
  • Operate GPS guidance technology on a range of agricultural equipment.
  • Transport seed and harvested produce and deliver it to customers and storage facilities.
  • Operate machinery and equipment associated with draining and irrigation works and other farm activities such as fencing and pallet storage.
  • Handle seed, fertiliser, and farm chemicals.
  • Order spare parts for vehicles and equipment.
  • Work as part of an integrated team in both seeding and harvesting operations.
  • Ensure that specific allocated farm equipment is maintained.
  • Liaise with supervisor to ensure all tasks are completed as required.

The Career Pathways

In the horticulture industry a mobile plant operator is involved in preparing, maintaining, and operating a range of agricultural machinery, equipment and vehicles used in cultivating, planting, and harvesting of crops.

They help drive trucks, operate stationary machinery, and other machinery tasks associated with post-harvest activities. The work is usually contract in nature involving mainly tractors, trucks, headers and associated agricultural equipment.