Tractor Operator

The Hudson Valley Farm Hub (HVFH) is a non-profit agricultural center dedicated to resiliency in the regional food system. Since the Farm Hub’s founding in 2013, we have converted the approximately 1600-acre farm operation to a multi-year rotation of organically grown grains, cover crops and vegetables with an intensive focus on soil health. We steer our efforts towards the greater community of regional farmers, Hudson Valley neighbors, and the natural environment as we advance field research and innovation, provide training and informational gatherings for growers and community members, and support community resiliency.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative individual who has experience operating tractors, combines, and/or other farm equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience growing small grains and other field crops (wheat, rye, field corn, soy, cover crops etc.) and is someone who enjoys working as a part of a team.

Start date will be in early 2027.

Position Summary

The Tractor Operator and Field Crops Team Member’s primary responsibility will be to operate tractors, implements, and other farm machinery relating to the Farm Hub’s organic field crops production. The tractor operator also supports grain cleaning operations in the Farm Hub’s granary and seed storage facility. This position will report to the Field Crops Production Manager. As part of a collaborative team structure, this role supports and collaborates with other Field Crops Team members to share knowledge and strengthen collective expertise. Additionally, you will be co-responsible for fostering and contributing to a safe, supportive, communicative, compassionate, and productive workplace culture with your colleagues. This position requires working outdoors in varied weather, extended periods operating equipment, climbing on/off machinery, and related physical demands.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Field Crops Team with all tractor and equipment operations pertaining to field crops production included, but not limited to tillage, cultivation, spraying, compost application, harvest, direct seeding, post-harvest handling, mowing, mulching, cover cropping
• Operate tractors and implements safely and effectively
• Conduct routine equipment maintenance and adjustments as needed
• Support grain storage, cleaning, and packing operations
• Assist with production recordkeeping (field operations, equipment, and related digital records)
• Support the Field Crops Production Manager to implement equipment and Shop safety training with HVFH employees
• Participate in training, workshops and staff meetings related to farm operations
• Perform other duties, including general farm work, as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum one year operating tractors and equipment on a farm operation, including routine maintenance and adjustment, and experience operating larger tractors and implements under field conditions
• Willingness to have a flexible schedule with evening and weekend hours as required
• Experience working and communicating as part of a team
• Effective communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work efficiently and with attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to participate in a work environment of mutual respect and collaboration; ability to develop positive working relationships and problem-solve with people of different backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to safe equipment operation and a willingness to participate in formal safety and skills training programs
• Ability to follow and help reinforce safe work practices in the field and shop
• Verbal and written proficiency in either English or Spanish
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on an organic or biodynamic farm
• Combine, truck, and other large equipment operation experience
• Familiarity with grain storage and cleaning systems
• Experience with GPS guidance systems, auto-steer, or precision agriculture tools
• Comfort with digital recordkeeping systems (beyond basic Microsoft Office)
• If not bilingual in both Spanish and English, conversational skills in the non-primary language
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with no restrictions and ability to maintain a valid CDL
• Familiarity with John Deere software ecosystem

Position Details & Typical Schedule

The Tractor Operator & Field Crops Team Member is a full-time, (non-exempt) hourly position with full benefits. Compensation for this position is $22.31 - $27.50 per hour for non-CDL drivers and $27.55 - $33.76 for CDL drivers, with housing not included. We also pay time and a half for any hours worked over 40, along with a comprehensive benefit package. From late fall through early spring, the schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm. From late spring through mid-fall, there is usually a 7:00 am start time and the team often works half days on Saturdays.