ANZSCO Work Type Detail Sheets

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Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator

721111 · Medium
Career data Verified

Agricultural equipment operators drive vehicles and operate machines used for planting and harvesting crops, or feeding and herding livestock.

Most common salary $58k – $91k
Upper salary up to $118k
Training No specific training
View on Tahatū ↗ Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0
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Description

Operates agricultural and horticultural plant to clear and cultivate land, and sow and harvest crops.

Typical work tasks

  • Prepares and positions plant for operation; operates tractor-drawn and self-propelled plant to plough land and sow, fertilise, cultivate and harvest crops and avoid damaging crops; adjusts speed, height and depth of implements; keeps log tallies and writes work reports; services plant and performs minor repairs.

Typical work environment

  • Works in vehicle operating cab if enclosed (usual), otherwise outside constantly.
  • Works in all weather conditions for some tasks.
  • May be dusty and cold or hot if not in the vehicle cab.
  • Jolting and jarring of the operator could be frequent as the machine operates.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Medium physical demand Sits in vehicle operating cab or on vehicle constantly.
  • Climbs up steps to gain entry and to exit vehicle cab.
  • Uses upper limbs, feet and body to stretch down and across to operate controls.
  • Occasionally squats, crouches or kneels when checking the machine.
  • Twists body or neck when reversing the machine.
  • Significant contact with water or skin irritants is not required, as employees are usually working in the vehicle cab.
  • Lifting and/or carrying is not a significant component of this job.
  • Frequent repetitive hand, arm and leg/foot movements and pushing/pulling is required for operation of controls.
  • Driving of machinery is constant.
  • Occasionally uses hand tools or equipment to make minor mechanical repairs.
  • Bends occasionally to hook on equipment or lift other items.
  • Mental skills necessary include machine operation, practical and mechanical skills.
Entry signal Reviewed

Enter via a short course or licence (days to weeks). A licence or registration is legally required.

Entry barrier Short course or licence
Licence / registration Licence/registration required
ANZSCO skill level 4
Next-day ready No

How this was determined (model-generated): Tractor/ag plant operator: text states licensing required, Class 1 is a quick licence => short_course_or_licence/required; next_day false; proposal stands.

Entry Requirements

  • Licensing is required (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). A Class 1 Driver Licence holder can operate a tractor with a Gross Laden Weight (GLW) of more than 4500kg but less than 18000kg if driven at a speed not exceeding 30km/h.
  • For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

Further Comments

  • There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.
  • The level of automation/sophistication of machinery used will significantly impact operator comfort and level of physical demand required.