An agricultural plow operator works a seasonal and strenuous job.
Farm workers perform a variety of agricultural work in the growing and harvesting of crops shipped to food processing plants and grocery stores. Agricultural plow operators prepare the fields to be sowed with seeds and plantings during the spring season. The operators also perform other job functions for this outdoor work.
Job Duties
Agricultural plow operators manage farm equipment, such as plows, rototillers and thrashers, as the farm worker attaches the equipment to the back of tractors to prepare the field for crops. The operator also performs minor repairs on equipment and loads the crops onto delivery trucks. The agricultural plow operator may have other duties that include harvesting, bailing and husking crops.
Education
Most people only need a high school diploma to work as an agricultural plow operator. The person receives his knowledge during short-term, on-the-job training. Farm supervisors sometimes look for someone with mechanical experience who can repair and service farm equipment. Some agricultural plow operators are related to the farm owner, growing into the job while attaining the hands-on experience.
Work Conditions
Since the agricultural plow operator works mainly outdoors, he can experience differing weather conditions and climates while in the field. The seeds and plantings must be placed in the ground during the best seasonal period for it to grow despite rain or heat. Yet most operators enjoy the rural lifestyle enough to deal with these conditions.
Employment
Based on 2004 statistics as stated by MyPlan.com, most agricultural workers occupied 834,000 jobs. Of these occupations, agricultural equipment operators held 60,000 jobs. Most farm workers receive low pay while working mainly for crop producers or farm labor contractors.
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