Equipment Operator - City of Boise Farm

About the role

The City of Boise is seeking an Equipment Operator to support its biosolids application site at the Twenty Mile South Farm. This role involves operating a variety of construction, hauling, and agricultural equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain various farm machinery and equipment, including harvesting machines, agricultural machinery, and heavy-duty equipment.
• Tend and harvest crops, control weeds, administer irrigation water, and transport crops to storage areas using farm equipment.
• Maintain and repair a pressurized irrigation system.
• Build and maintain perimeter fencing to ensure the security of the site.
• Utilize tools, welding equipment, and all required safety equipment.
• Maintain and repair buildings and housing at the biosolids application site.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and the safety of the property.
• Transport biosolids from the wastewater treatment facilities to the farm in compliance with 40 CFR Part 503 federal regulations.
• Operate a semi-tractor trailer in rural and urban settings to transport equipment, biosolids, and other materials.
• Perform visual safety inspections of vehicles, check fluid levels and tire pressure, and conduct daily pre-trip inspections.
• Clean vehicles and trailers after each delivery.
• Coordinate biosolids transportation with operations staff and train staff on trailer loading and operation.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment.
• Clean and maintain equipment as scheduled or required.
• Report broken or potentially hazardous equipment to the supervisor.
• Safely store heavy equipment.
• Participate in routine diagnosis, maintenance, and repairs of equipment.
• Coordinate with inventory specialists to ensure a quick turnaround on equipment repairs and maintenance.
• Apply Class B biosolids to farm fields using spreader trucks and front-end loaders.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collect biosolids samples for analysis at the city’s water quality laboratory.
• Track the amount of biosolids material applied to fields to apply appropriate quantities.
• Clean trucks and equipment after applying biosolids using a high-powered hose.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience operating and maintaining various farm machinery and equipment, or broad-based agriculture experience.
• Licenses: Valid state-issued driver's license, ability to obtain a class A commercial driver's license within 60 days of employment.
• Knowledge: Safe operation of biosolids equipment, irrigation systems and related machinery, equipment and tools; standard practices, methods and materials used in a farm setting; traffic and safety rules and regulations and defensive driving techniques; relevant regulatory requirements; safe application practices; and computer usage, including related software.
• Skills: Recommended and alternate transportation routes; comprehend information in operation manuals for all pieces of equipment used; read and interpret safety data sheets (SDS) regarding chemical safety; work extended hours and weekends during the harvest season; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• Physical abilities: Lift/carry up to 75 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds, and rarely up to 101+ pounds; push/pull up to 75 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds, and rarely up to 101+ pounds; perform duties on equipment with ladders and lifts; work on and around large irrigation equipment during all weather conditions and climb on pivots and work 5 feet above ground level.
• Working conditions: Very loud and occasionally moderate noise levels; work in inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter; exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards and work in/at heights; exposed to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals; work around biosolids, irrigation equipment, farm equipment and implements; work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required; work irregular hours and shifts as needed during harvest months.