MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
CIRCULAR NO. 1 OF 2026
REF: AG/CIR/1
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following vacant position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
Position: Tractor Operator
Position Details
Department: Field Services
Job Title: Tractor Operator
Grade: C
Responsible To: Area Technical Officer – Mechanisation
Location: DAO Berea
Number of Positions: One (1)
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Area Technical Officer – Mechanization, the Tractor Operator is responsible for carrying out field operation activities including operating tractor for ploughing, ripping, discing, planting of crops, boom‑spraying of chemicals, and operating combine harvesters. The incumbent also operates stationary equipment for post‑harvest tasks (threshing, ginning) and is responsible for the safe‑keeping of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Main Duties
1. Safety Precautions of Farm Machinery
1.1 Ensures daily machinery checks (engine oil, water, fuel, tyre pressure, etc.) before operating machinery.
1.2 Cleans air filters and battery terminals regularly for efficient machine performance.
1.3 Observes all gauges and listens to machinery during operation to detect malfunctions.
1.4 Cleans, greases and stores tractor, combine and farm implements safely after use to prevent damage (e.g. rust).
1.5 Fills machinery worksheet daily to record hours worked, fuel/oil consumption and mileage.
2. Performing Field Mechanical Operations Activities
2.1 Inspects field for hazards (rocks, gullies, etc.) before any operation to avoid machinery breakdowns.
2.2 Performs mechanical field operations (ploughing, discing, ripping, planting, boom‑spraying, harvesting, etc.) as requested to support efficient service delivery.
2.3 Inspects the quality of work during and after operations.
2.4 Checks machinery after each operation and reports faults to the supervisor for immediate attention/repairs.
3. Service and Maintenance of Agricultural Machinery
3.1 Informs supervisor promptly when machinery is due for servicing.
3.2 Reports abnormalities that may not be detected during standard diagnostics.
3.3 Ensures agricultural machinery is thoroughly cleaned before repair work is carried out.
4. Reporting of Field Mechanical Operations
4.1 Fills worksheet daily for proper recording of each operation and submits it to the supervisor for accountability.
4.2 Ensures worksheet indicates tool acreage worked, field number, location, farmer name, payment receipt, etc.
4.3 Conducts performance appraisals for all technical staff under his/her supervision.
Job Specification
Education and Experience (Option 1)
- Junior Certificate plus two (2) years of driving/operating experience (accident‑free)
- Valid agricultural machinery (tractor, combine, etc.) driver’s/operator’s license
- Beginner Tractor Operator’s Certificate (added advantage)
OR
Education and Experience (Option 2)
- Standard 7 plus three (3) years of driving/operating experience (accident‑free)
- Valid agricultural machinery (tractor, combine, etc.) driver’s/operator’s license
- Beginner Tractor Operator’s Certificate (added advantage)
Responsibility
General Responsibility:
Proper care of agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure efficient operation and to eliminate accidents and injuries.
For Property:
Responsible for safe‑keeping of agricultural machinery in the fields, on the road, and in the workshop.
For Effect of Errors:
Responsible for quality of operations provided to farmers; poor performance may result in improper operations.
For Safety of Others:
Ensures enforcement of safety precautions, including use of protective clothing and safe support of disassembled machinery parts.
Effort
Mental Effort:
- Requires mathematical calculations when determining area worked.
- Average mental effort required.
Physical Effort:
- Requires average physical effort when operating, inspecting and testing machinery.
Emotional Effort:
- Involves dealing with farmers who may be argumentative when deciding on remedial measures.
- Requires patience, compassion and understanding.
Working Conditions
- Involves working with heavy machinery and components that may fall and cause injury.
- Exposure to risks inherent in mechanical and field operations.
How to Apply
All applications must be hand delivered or addressed to:
The Human Resources Department
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Closing Date
Not later than 27 February 2026