Planter Operator (Maize)

If you know tractors, a maize and soya farm near Newcastle has steady work for you. If you turn up on time and finish what you start, you'll fit in quickly.

The work is in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, so you'll need a reliable way to get there every day. There's a probation period of three months before the contract is confirmed.

• Report breakdowns and help the mechanic with repairs
• Check oil, water, tyres and grease points before starting
• Clear firebreaks and grade farm roads when needed
• Hook up and drive ploughs, discs, planters and sprayers
• Mix and apply sprays exactly as the farm manager prescribes
• Record hours, fuel and fields worked on the job card

• At least 2 years driving tractors on a farm
• Can read job cards and spray instructions
• Basic understanding of implements and settings
• Reliable and sober on duty
• Willing to work long hours in planting and harvest seasons
• Safe driver who respects chemical and machine safety

• Code 8 or Code 10 licence for road trips
• Basic mechanical skills
• Experience with GPS guidance or auto-steer

• Harvest bonus at season end
• Overtime paid during planting and harvest
• Training on new machinery
• Farm housing with water and electricity

• List the machines you can drive and the implements you have used. Farmers want to know if you can plant, spray or harvest on day one.
• Mention GPS or auto-steer if you have used it. Modern grain farms struggle to find operators who know it.