Tractor Driver

Job Description: Tractor Driver / Tractor Operator

• Specialisation: Tractor Operator
• Industry: Agriculture / Dairy Farming / Horticulture
• Location: New Zealand
• Employment Type: Full-time

Working Hours and Salary

Hours per week: 30–40 hours.

Working Schedule: Flexible working hours may be required depending on farm operations, weather conditions, planting, sowing, harvesting and other seasonal agricultural activities.

Overtime: Additional hours may be available by mutual agreement, subject to the employment agreement and applicable New Zealand employment legislation.

Hourly Wage: NZD $26.00–$27.00 per hour, depending on experience, skills and the agreed employment contract.

Job Summary

The Tractor Driver / Tractor Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining tractors and agricultural machinery to support daily farming and agricultural operations. The position involves clearing and preparing land, cultivating soil, sowing and planting crops, spreading fertiliser, carrying out authorised weed-control activities, mowing and maintaining paddocks, transporting agricultural materials, and assisting with seasonal farming operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate tractors safely and efficiently for general farming, agricultural and horticultural operations.
• Clear, prepare and cultivate land using ploughs, cultivators, harrows and other suitable tractor attachments.
• Assist with planting, sowing, fertilising and harvesting crops according to farm requirements.
• Operate tractor-mounted machinery for mowing, topping paddocks, pasture maintenance and general land management.
• Tow trailers and transport feed, hay, silage, agricultural produce, equipment and other farm materials.
• Attach, adjust, operate and detach agricultural implements according to the task requirements and manufacturer instructions.
• Inspect tractors, tyres, engines, hydraulic systems, safety equipment and attachments before and during operation.
• Carry out routine machinery maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication and minor adjustments, and report repairs requiring specialist attention.
• Monitor machinery performance, identify operating problems and promptly report mechanical faults to the supervisor or farm manager.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures and operate agricultural machinery in accordance with safe working practices.
• Maintain basic work records and report completed activities, machinery issues and operational requirements to the farm manager or supervisor.
• Keep tractors, agricultural equipment, implements and work areas clean, organised and in good working condition.
• Assist with other general farm activities, land maintenance and seasonal agricultural duties as required.

Skills, Experience, Qualifications and Requirements

• Relevant practical experience operating tractors and agricultural or horticultural machinery for land clearing, soil cultivation, sowing, planting and harvesting activities.
• Ability to operate tractors fitted with ploughs, cultivators, harrows, seed drills, mowers, trailers and other agricultural implements.
• Knowledge of soil preparation, paddock maintenance, crop planting, fertilising, harvesting and general farm operations.
• Ability to conduct routine machinery inspections, cleaning, lubrication and basic maintenance, and identify and report mechanical faults.
• Understanding of safe machinery operation, workplace health and safety procedures, hazard identification and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to follow work instructions, operate machinery efficiently and complete assigned tasks independently or with minimal supervision.
• Relevant on-the-job training, previous tractor-operating experience or practical agricultural experience is preferred.
• Relevant agricultural qualifications or vocational training are desirable; equivalent practical experience may also be considered, depending on the employer's requirements.
• Must hold any applicable licence, registration, endorsement or certification required for the machinery and duties being undertaken.
• Must be physically capable of performing outdoor agricultural duties and working in varying weather conditions.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours during busy farming seasons and assist with additional agricultural duties when required.
• * Must comply with applicable New Zealand workplace health and safety requirements and have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Reporting Responsibilities

The Tractor Driver / Tractor Operator reports to the Farm Manager, Farm Owner or Agricultural Operations Supervisor and follows instructions relating to daily farm activities, machinery use, maintenance and work schedules.

Job Objective

To operate tractors and agricultural machinery safely and efficiently for land clearing, soil cultivation, sowing, planting, harvesting and general farm maintenance, while supporting productive agricultural operations and maintaining equipment in safe working condition.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $26.00 per hour

Work Location: In person