Tractor Operator
🚜 Tractor Operator (Temporary – Seasonal) | Nakambala Land Prep
📍 Location: Mazabuka, Zambia
📅 Closing Date: 19 February 2026
📌 Reference: UNI260212-5
🎓 Minimum Education: Grade 12 / Matric (preferred)
🔹 Job Overview
The Tractor Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating agricultural tractors and related equipment to support sugar cane loading, hauling, and field operations. The role ensures productive harvesting workflows while maintaining equipment in good working condition.
🔹 Key Responsibilities
Tractor Operation & Field Activities
- Operate tractors and implements (ploughs, harrows, rippers, rotavators) for land preparation.
- Haul sugar cane trailers and support field logistics.
- Transport cane from harvesting points to loading zones.
- Assist with harvesting support and towing tasks.
- Operate safely on muddy terrain, slopes, and haulage routes.
- Follow designated routes and production schedules.
Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
- Perform pre-start checks (oil, water, lights, tyres, hydraulics).
- Report defects or breakdowns immediately.
- Keep tractor clean and tools properly stored.
- Support workshop with basic maintenance when required.
- Record accurate hour-meter readings.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow company safety procedures and legal requirements.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Practice safe driving around heavy equipment and pedestrians.
- Report hazards and unsafe conditions.
Loading, Hauling & Field Logistics
- Correctly connect and secure trailers.
- Transport loads safely to prevent spillage or rollover.
- Align tractors for loading by harvesters/loaders.
- Work closely with field and logistics teams.
Administrative Duties
- Complete daily logs, checklists, and fuel records.
- Record hours worked, kilometres driven, and loads moved.
- Support accurate reporting for payroll and fleet management.
🔹 Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Grade 12 / Matric (preferred)
- Accredited Tractor Operator Certificate (essential)
- Valid licences: CE, CET & G
Experience
- 1–3 years operating agricultural tractors or similar machinery
- Sugar cane or agricultural logistics experience (advantageous)
- Understanding of harvesting cycles and tractor mechanics
Technical Skills
- Safe tractor operation
- Trailer coupling and hydraulic systems knowledge
- Basic mechanical understanding
- Ability to read work instructions and field maps
- Logbook and checklist record-keeping
Behavioural Competencies
- Strong safety awareness
- Reliable with a strong work ethic
- Able to work with minimal supervision
- Good teamwork and communication
- High attention to detail and situational awareness
🔹 Working Conditions
- Outdoor field and depot environments
- Exposure to heat, rain, mud, dust, and noise
- Extended hours during peak harvesting
- Physically demanding role requiring stamina