McCain Foods

Farm Operator

• Safely operate and control different kinds of farm equipment using current GPS navigation and auto-steer systems. 

• Troubleshoot, service, and repair farm equipment and machinery. 

• Complete pre-operation inspection of equipment to check fuel/fluid levels etc. to ensure machinery is organized and operational when needed. 

• Calibrate/adjust settings of equipment (e.g., spade depth and belt/shakers speeds of harvester, belt speeds and vibrator frequency on shaker deck of seed sizer and seed cutter; yield monitor sensors & RiteTrace system, AirSep, seed drill). 

• Keep track of acreage between planter or seeded refills to monitor application accuracy. 

• Follow food safe handling procedures (CanadaGAP, Environment Farm Plan, workplace hazards). 

• Responsible for documentation of field wise and activity wise information. 

• Clean and sanitize equipment before use to reduce risk of disease/infection. 

• Apply crop protection products for maximum efficacy (considerations: weather, products, tank mix and pests/diseases to be controlled). 

• Drain, rinse, and clean equipment to remove pesticide residues. Dispose of un-used material in safe, environmentally acceptable manner.  

• Accurately document weight, origin, and destination of each harvest load being transported. 

• Adjust belt speeds to control flow of potatoes into storage. 

• Grade incoming potatoes for defects and rocks. 

• Maintain awareness of the research trials 

• Document details in the digital application at the end of every farm operation. 

• Participate in Microsoft teams meetings as necessary. 

• Support Livestock and drip irrigation management. 

• Be open minded to switch from one field to another and one equipment to another (as required) to complete the work as per plan. 

• Act as a role model being willing to take any role in the farm operations. 

• Grade 12, GED, or equivalent experience; preference will be given to a candidate who has post-secondary education in agricultural studies. 

• Must have Class 3 license with airbrake endorsement or obtain as soon as possible. 

• Must have Pesticide Applicator’s License or obtain as soon as possible. 

• Trained with forklift, fall arrest, and first aid. 

• Minimum 3-year of experience with operating farm equipment for planting, spraying, hilling and harvesting of potatoes. 

• Experience or quick learner of precision ag and innovative technologies: variable rate inputs (fertilizer, seed spacing, irrigation), soil sampling and sensors, high-capacity planters and harvesters, GPS guidance systems (auto steer), controlled traffic patterns, decision support systems, automation, yield monitors, remote sensing (drone/satellite imagery, digital Vision based “see and spray”), seed sizer, computer skills (email, smart phones, tablets). 

• Experience and knowledge in raw potato grading procedures. 

• Knowledge or a quick learner of single and 3-phase power, variable frequency drives, motor controllers, and basic electrical system troubleshooting to operate the seed sizing and cutting lines. This includes pre-start inspection of lines, safe start-up and operating procedures lock out tag out, and emergency shutdown procedures. 

• Knowledge of important pests and diseases in potatoes is an asset. 

• Ability to calibrate, inspect, and make adjustments to maintain accuracy of various farm equipment. 

• Ability to read and understand mechanical diagrams and schematics. 

• Ability to understand importance of adoption of regen practices on the farm. 

• Experience with irrigation, installing sensors and cattle management is an asset. 

• Detail oriented individual 

• Must be able to work extended hours during the Spring and Fall seasons. 

• Must have the ability to lift approximately 30lbs and upwards of 50lbs at times 

• Successful completion of a 90 day training period is required for any candidate offered this position