An agricultural machinery operator is involved with the harvesting of crops on a farm or nursery, as well as the operation of any other agricultural machinery. The role will include the operation, maintenance and cleaning of the machinery, and sometimes basic repairs. Agricultural machinery operators may work on a large farm, nursery or for an agricultural contractor.
Agricultural machinery operators generally work as least 39 hours per week but they are expected to work paid overtime when necessary. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work are all necessary during the harvest season to harvest as much as possible whilst the weather is suitable. The limited windows of opportunity for harvesting can mean working for long hours and ensuring the machinery is reliable and working at its optimum.
Work can be seasonal and required when crops are ripe for harvesting. Drivers are likely to operate other agricultural machinery throughout the year depending on requirements.
Machinery can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and are highly technical. Most machines will have an enclosed cab with air conditioning for the operators comfort and safety, and to protect the technical equipment.
Work can involve standing, bending, lifting and carrying. Driving machinery involves sitting for long periods of time. It is also can be dirty and dusty and may not suit people who suffer from allergies such as hay fever.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live.
Minimum rates of pay for farm workers are set by the Agricultural Wages Board. The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) is an independent body with a statutory obligation to fix minimum wages for workers employed in agriculture in England and Wales. The Board also has discretionary powers to decide other terms and conditions of employment, e.g. holidays and sick pay. It produces a legally binding Order which is enforced by Defra. Individual employers may pay more according to the employee’s skill and experience.
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An agricultural machinery operator aged 19 and over could earn at least £14,986 a year
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Experienced farm workers may earn up to £19,000
Many farm workers may be given free or low-rent accommodation, or a lodging allowance. Overtime is often available and there is an increased overtime rate/hour also stipulated by the Agricultural Wages Board.
- Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others
- Maintain environmental good practice at work
- Operate a power vehicle
- Prepare a power vehicle for operation
- Carry out maintenance procedures
- Prepare equipment and machines for maintenance
- Prepare power tools and attachments for use
- Operate a tractor or other self-propelled vehicle and its attachments
- Prepare harvested crops
- Maintain and control harvesting operations
- maintain safe working with noise, dust or vibration (MSDs)
- operate plant and machinery
- Timekeeping
- Working alone
- Initiative
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Literacy
- Problem-Solving
Agricultural machinery operators will have often gained experience in operating machinery through working as a farm worker on an arable farm or through working for an arable contractor. Experience of operation, the crops and sometimes mechanics may be required to operate this expensive machinery at a crucial point in the farming year.
Machinery operators can gain further responsibility on very large farms/nurseries by leading a team, or becoming self employed as an agricultural contractor offering a range of machinery and services to farms/nurseries, or with the right training take a different route to an assistant farm manager.