Operator 2

Reports to: General Manager or Branch Manager
Location: Harriston

Purpose and Summary Statement
Under the direction of the Branch Manager or General Manager, the Operator 2 is the primary operator, driver, and applicator of specialized facility equipment. Familiar with most facets of the operation and capable of running most equipment inside and outside the facility with limited supervision.

May drive flotation/sprayers, delivery equipment, or forklifts, seasonally. Responsible for the safe operation and maintenance and/or security of equipment and machinery of moderate capital value, such as custom application equipment, an assigned motor vehicle; practicing non-aggressive defensive driving techniques in accordance with standards, regulations, and laws pertaining to transportation. Class “DZ” driver’s license required. In addition, may perform preventative maintenance duties, warehouse duties, or work in processing areas as required. Regular interaction with member/owners, and delivery of exceptional service will be the expected norm.

 

Supervision and Leadership
May on occasion be responsible for some supervision, delegation of tasks, and training other Operators on the safe handling and operation of equipment.

 

Essential Job Functions
Operates heavy equipment (i.e. spray applicator), in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize risk, injury and property damage.

Mixes and applies crop inputs to fields and growing crops according to recommended rates, procedures, and following all pesticide labels. Records application data according to regulations and standards. Blends fertilizer, weighs tanks, assists in inventory pre-listing and physical counting, as required.

Drives and operates plant equipment and machinery, such as loaders, forklifts, and/or trucks safely which includes performing the required daily checks to minimize risks, injury, and property damage, inside and/or outside the facility as required.

Performs and records daily safety checks of assigned vehicle(s) and associated equipment by conducting pre-trip inspections such as checking fuel and oil levels, inspecting tires, lights, and brakes. Follows the preventative maintenance program and keeps equipment and vehicles clean to maintain professional appearance.

Loads and unloads containers, pallets, or materials and products, safely on trucks or trailers by hand or by forklift truck.

Ensures the safe operation of equipment used in moving goods within the storage facility; also regularly cleans and maintains equipment and/or vehicles used in receiving and shipping and keeps the storage facilities clean, organized and presentable at all times in compliance with NWC’s Workplace Health & Safety Standards and Policies. Maintenance of equipment and/or vehicles includes: lubricating parts, checking fluid levels, refilling equipment tanks and performing minor repairs. Obtains approval for repairs exceeding $250.00.

Transports custom blended fertilizers, chemicals, seed, and various equipment and ensures all associated documentation, including bills of lading, shipping tickets are accurate and completed according to schedule.

Ensures that product in storage meets quality standards and is stored, rotated and handled in a safe and organized manner.

Ensures that proper documentation is completed on all incoming goods and verifies the correctness of receipts against bills of lading or other records, checks for shortages, identifies damaged goods, etc.

Completes all assigned record-keeping duties, such as Truck Reports, Bills of Lading, Transfers, and application records, in a timely manner.

Performs a combination of yard work such as mowing, trimming, watering lawns; maintaining flower beds; rakes and bags leaves; cleans grounds and removes litter; shovels snow from walks and driveways and spreads salt on public passageways.

May support other divisions during peak seasons as required.

Working as part of the Co-op team, insures that company objectives, customer service levels, employee relations and inter- branch relations are improved and promoted.

 

Other Job Functions
Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) regulations for employees: use or wear any equipment, protective devices or clothing required by the employer; report any known workplace hazard to the employer or supervisor; report any known contravention of the Act or regulations to the employer or supervisor; not use or operate any equipment or work in a way that may endanger any worker. Interested employees are encouraged to attend Joint Health and Safety (JHSC) Meetings, serve on the executive and become certified workers. All employees are required to participate in the representative selection process and to complete inspections with a Certified Worker when requested.

Participate in NWC training which includes, but not limited to, the mandatory Ministry of Labour course, NWC Health & Safety Standards and Policies, and Accessibility Policies (AODA).

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements
Normally requires a high school diploma, college diploma, or equivalent, or a combination of experience and training to provide the required knowledge and skills.

Must also possess a valid AZ or DZ driver’s license, a driving abstract that represents a history of safe operation, as well as the ability to maintain insurability.

May be required to be trained in the following: Agriculture Exterminator, Chemical Handling and Spills Response, Confined Space, Defensive Driving, Lifting Devices (Forklift, Payloader, Skidsteer), Lockout/Tagout, Nutrient Technician, Pesticide Vendor, Respirator Fit Testing, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Working at Heights/Fall Arrest.

Demonstrates safe driving techniques, with ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely and efficiently in adverse road, weather, and traffic conditions; demonstrated time management such as determining cost efficient routes, and time efficient scheduling of deliveries.

Demonstrates ability to read maps, bills of lading, follow specific delivery directions and instructions, follow posted safety rules and safe operating procedures to ensure proper techniques are performed; write and make accurate entries on the daily truck report.

Demonstrates basic math skills, such as the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure and understanding of basic computer skills as they relate to the position.

Proven ability to work independently, and in a team-oriented environment, and achieve results through others.

Understanding of basic computer skills as they relate to the custom application business. .

May be required to work extended hours, particularly during peak seasons.

 

Working Conditions
Work will regularly be conducted outdoors or in a warehousing environment. Regular outdoor activity should be expected, especially during peak seasons

May be exposed to a moderate amount of climbing and working at heights.

The Operator may be continuously exposed to dust, agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, fumes and smells from gasoline, propane, diesel, fuel, and lubricants.

The Operator can encounter all kinds of road, field, weather and traffic conditions and may on occasion load and unload freight in varying weather conditions at company or customer facilities.

CSA approved safety boots are mandatory safety attire. Other personal protective equipment maybe required to be worn such as hard hats, coveralls, safety glasses, hearing protection, dust masks, respiratory equipment and fall arrest equipment.