Combine Harvester Operator job description

About the job

We are looking for a combine harvester operator to harvest wheat, barley and other grains, setting the machine to cut losses and protect grain quality and keeping it in good order all season.

Duties and responsibilities

• Operate the combine to harvest wheat, barley and other crops on time
• Set cutting height, threshing drum speed, fan and sieves for the crop and its moisture
• Watch grain losses and cleanliness while harvesting and adjust the settings
• Unload grain into trucks or trailers in coordination with their drivers
• Check and grease the combine every day and clean off straw and dust
• Replace knives, belts and simple parts and fix breakdowns
• Prevent field fires by keeping the combine clean and carrying an extinguisher
• Log the area harvested, quantities and fuel used

Working conditions

• Intensive seasonal work, long hours in heat and dust
• Moving between farms and projects in different towns during the season

Requirements

• No formal qualification required; a valid driving licence
• 3 to 6 years of experience in operating combine harvesters

The years of experience follow the level you choose when posting.

Skills

• Combine harvester operation
• Combine settings
• Grain harvesting
• Reducing harvest losses
• Combine maintenance
• Farm machinery safety
• Fire prevention

Preferred

• Experience harvesting on centre-pivot projects in the south
• Knowledge of modern combines with yield monitors
• Ability to drive a tractor