Machinery Operator

This 16-week training plan is designed for a SkillBridge participant at Riamede Farm entering the Farm Machinery Operator role during the December through April season. The program integrates hands-on winter farmhand responsibilities, orchard and infrastructure work, deep equipment maintenance, greenhouse preparation, trellising, retail/customer support as needed, and sustainable agriculture fundamentals. It is structured using ONET codes 49-3041.00 (Farm Equipment Mechanic and Technician) and 45-2091.00 (Agricultural Equipment Operator), with additional exposure to farm labor and greenhouse systems relevant to Riamede Farm’s winter and early-spring operations.

Basic farm field work, including field prep, planting, trellising, watering, nutrient management, pest and weed management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Farm machinery operation, including tractor operation, implement attachment and calibration, routine maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, and routine cleaning. Specialty crop marketing including retail sales, customer service, farm event planning, product promotion, and point-of-sale system use. Sustainable agricultural practice including farm planning, Integrated pest management, cover cropping, crop rotation, and other projects to support soil health and farm conservation.