Equipment Operator
Employment Type : Full-Time
About the TWE
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) is one of the world’s largest wine companies, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The Company has a rich heritage and a portfolio of some of the most recognized and awarded wine brands in the world, including Penfolds, Pepperjack, Wynns, Beaulieu Vineyard, Beringer, Wolf Blass, 19 Crimes, Matua, Chateau St Jean, Sterling Vineyards, Gabbiano, Lindeman’s and Rawson’s Retreat. TWE is focused on portfolio premiumization and brand-led marketing, with world-class production facilities in internationally recognized wine regions. The Company sources grapes from a mix of owned, leased and third-party vineyards. Employing approximately 3,400 winemakers, viticulturists, sales, marketing, distribution and support staff across the globe, TWE’s wine is sold in more than 100 countries around the world. Learn more about Treasury Wine Estates at www.tweglobal.com
Summary
Equipment Operators are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of tractors, RTVs and associated implements in the performance of tasks set out for them by Managers and Foremen of Treasury Wine Estates (TWE). These tasks include, but are not limited to, the operation of technical mobile equipment for the purposes of: discing, mowing, hoe-plowing, cultivating, spraying, lifting, servicing, monitoring, harvesting, fertilizing and applying chemicals, etc. Also performs minor repairs related to pre-start safety checks; maintains, connects, and disconnects equipment used to execute duties. Maintains equipment in a clean and safe state.
Responsibilities
- Solid understanding of vineyard operations and associated operation of vineyard and agricultural equipment: These tasks include, but are not limited to pruning, canopy management, pest and disease management, harvesting grapes, clean up, etc.
- Essential Functions: Operates various farm equipment and machinery properly and with completion of safety trainings and pre-start checklists.
- Operates tractors properly with attached or towed equipment, safely and accurately in open fields and confined vineyards with varied terrain.
- Understands and complies with all safety procedures and rules for equipment operators, including training and PPE.
- Uses proper fuel and gear selection, RPM and speed for specific tasks.
- Monitors and maintains equipment calibrations and adjustments with guidance from mechanics.
- Performs daily inspections and routine maintenance, including, but not limited to: fuel, fluids levels, lubrication, tire pressure, lug nuts, safety guards, seat belts, three point linkage, draw bar, lights and gauges.
- Connects, disconnects and adjusts equipment, cleaning and washing of equipment.
- Identifies when there may be mechanical problems associated with equipment and communicates problems to Managers, Foremen and Mechanics.
- Applies Supervisor direction to variable situations, weather, terrain, slopes.
- Prepares soil in fields by mowing, discing, grading, shifting dirt.
- Navigates proficiently in and out of the vine rows smoothly and safely while stopping and starting attached equipment.
- Handles agricultural materials, such as pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, using tractor equipment in a safe manner.
- Documents daily activity and completes equipment inspection checklist.
- Identifies and avoids problematic situations, such as areas that are too wet to treat, and situations which may be hazardous to equipment, personal safety and the safety of others.
- Recognizes ranches and blocks by name; knowledgeable with surroundings and travels on the safest roads between different blocks.
- Reports daily to the supervisor any equipment problem, trellis problem or other observed problem.
- Maintains satisfactory attendance, to include timeliness.
- Properly uses all of the required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) required for specific tasks (i.e. hard hats, gloves, reflective vests, safety boots, chemical aprons, safety glasses, etc.)
- Under direct supervision, makes decisions appropriate to level of work performed.
- May be required to assist in loading of equipment for road transport: Class B trucks (i.e. driving, loading machinery on to flat beds, and tying down all loads).
- Pesticide mixing, loading and application with completed training.
- Fertilizer mixing, loading and application with completed training.
- Fork-lift operation with completed training.
- Other machinery as required through appropriate training.
- Capable or participating in field crew work in a cooperative and productive manner.
- Makes sound, safe decisions and capable of working independently.
- Uses small tools to adjust and maintain equipment.
- Uses equipment for designed purposes only.
- Avoids damage to equipment, property, fellow workers and public.
- Keeps equipment clean and ready for next use, free of debris.
- Available for flexible and seasonal work hours determined to be necessary by Managers; Seasonal variations may include overtime and rotating shift work, including weekends and nights.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude and thoughtful execution of assigned tasks.
- Maintains equipment use records (sign in/out).
- Asks questions if something is not understood
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Operator Level II : Includes the above requirements of Level I, plus proficiency in several of these categories (availability of equipment in regional locales may apply): tractors with multiple implements; multi-sprayer operation; crawler tractor operation; pre-pruner; tipster; gondola; forklift; general equipment maintenance; welding; field monitoring.
Operator Level III: Includes all Level I, and proficiency in several Level II categories as well as: Includes proficiency in several of these categories (availability of equipment in regional locales may apply): backhoe; bulldozer; self-propelled harvester; tow-behind harvester; Pellenc harvester; multi-function tractor; irrigation; frost protection; equipment diagnostics; commercial truck driving; supervision; training (new operators may shadow).
Qualifications
- Current valid CA driver’s License
- May be required to participate in the pull program and DOT random drug testing
- Knowledge of vineyards and vineyard equipment or agricultural crops.
- Two harvest seasons operating various types of tractors and mechanical farm equipment safely and effectively, preferred.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry moderately weighted objects.