Seasonal Harvest Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Location: South Sutter County & Davis, CA
Employment Type: Seasonal (with potential to transition to full-time)
Compensation: Competitive — commensurate with experience

About the Position

We are a rice farming operation with locations in South Sutter County and Davis, CA seeking a skilled and dependable Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team for the rice harvest season. The primary role of this position is Bankout Driver, responsible for receiving rice from combines in the field and transporting it to the dryer or receiving location efficiently and safely. This is a seasonal position with the opportunity to grow into a permanent, full-time role for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate bankout wagons and related heavy equipment to support harvest operations in the field
• Coordinate closely with combine operators and harvest crew to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of commodity
• Transport rice from field to dryer, bins, or trucks in a timely manner
• Assist with pre-harvest preparations including equipment checks, field scouting support, and logistics staging
• Perform basic daily maintenance on assigned equipment including pre-shift inspections, greasing, fluid checks (oil, coolant, hydraulic), and general upkeep to ensure reliable operation throughout the harvest
• Communicate any maintenance concerns or mechanical issues to the farm manager promptly
• Assist with general farm labor tasks as needed throughout the season, including but not limited to manual labor, irrigation support, and field work
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment at all times
• Follow all farm safety protocols and applicable regulations

Requirements

• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record
• Reliable personal vehicle and ability to commute independently to farm locations in South Sutter County and Davis, CA
• Prior experience operating heavy farm equipment (tractors, grain carts, bankout wagons, or similar)
• Ability to work long hours during harvest, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as conditions require
• Physical ability to perform manual labor tasks — lifting, carrying, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well within a team
• Punctual, self-motivated, and dependable

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a bankout or grain cart operator
• Any prior harvest experience is a plus — we welcome applicants from all agricultural backgrounds
• Familiarity with Sacramento Valley rice farming practices and operations
• Basic mechanical aptitude for daily equipment maintenance and minor troubleshooting

What We Offer

• Competitive seasonal pay based on experience
• This position requires daily availability for the duration of the harvest season — days off are not guaranteed while harvest is active
• Significant overtime and double time earning opportunities during peak harvest periods
• A great team environment with experienced farming professionals
• Strong potential to transition into a full-time, year-round position based on performance

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

To apply, please contact us with your experience and availability.