Tractor & Vineyard Equipment Operator

Merkin Vineyards is a small Arizona Vineyard and Winery currently producing 8,000 cases. We work with a very diverse range of grapes grown at high elevation, both red and white. Our company is family owned and operated and is firmly committed to its core mission of growing Arizona grapes to produce Arizona wines at an award winning level of quality and consistency.

Position: Tractor & Vineyard Equipment Operator

Location: Verde Valley, AZ

Job Description:

• Inspect equipment daily before operation and responsible for notifying Vineyard Supervisor/Foreman of routine maintenance, and repairs needed.
• Operate Tractors and tractor implements in order to accomplish various vineyard tasks such as disking, mowing, spreading, spraying, trimming, weeding, plowing, etc.
• Operate ATVs, utility vehicle, and skid steer.
• Hook tow trucks to trailer hitches and fasten attachments, such as graders, plows, flail mowers, sprayers, and winch cables to tractors, and other farm implements.
• May perform specialized duties within the vineyard such as pruning, tying, suckering/shoot thinning, weeding, leaf and fruit thinning, and hand harvest.
• May perform various maintenance tasks such as trellis repair, drainage repair, erosion control, and irrigation repair.
• Must follow safe operating procedures, support safety programs and policies to safeguard personal safety, company property, environmental and team member’s safety.
• Work as a team with co-workers to perform duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with the company’s value of exhibiting the highest quality standards in all endeavors.
• Any other duties as reasonably required.

Job Type:  Full time/Exempt  – 40+ hours a week

Salary: $48,000-$55,000 per year DOE

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to perform a variety of tasks using specified equipment safely and efficiently.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must have knowledge of safety requirements when operating and observe all safety protocols pertaining to the equipment and implements being operated.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Willing to work irregular shifts, including graveyard, and long hours, particularly during harvest.
• Ability to work holidays and weekends as needed.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One -two years equipment operator experience.

Physical Requirements/ Work Environment:

• Works outdoors.
• Works in hot/cold climates.
• Works on wet surfaces.
• Is exposed to loud noise, fumes and/or chemicals.
• Works near moving mechanical parts.
• Must be able to lift 55lbs frequently.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.

Locations: 

Cornville, Cottonwood, Clarkdale

Merkin Vineyards an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.