MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
CIRCULAR NO. 2 OF 2025
Reference: AG/CIR/2
Applications are invited from suitably qualified local candidates for the following position tenable in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition:
MINISTRY: Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
DEPARTMENT: Field Services
TITLE: Tractor Operator
GRADE: C
RESPONSIBLE TO: Area Technical Officer – Mechanization
LOCATION: Berea
NO. OF POSITIONS: One (1)
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Area Technical Officer – Mechanization, the Tractor Operator is responsible for operating agricultural machinery for various field operations including ploughing, ripping, discing, planting, boom spraying, and harvesting. The incumbent also operates stationary equipment for post-harvest tasks such as threshing and ginning, and ensures the safe-keeping and maintenance of agricultural machinery and equipment.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Safety Precautions of Farm Machinery
- Conducts daily machinery checks (engine oil, water, fuel, tyre pressure, etc.) before operation.
- Cleans air filters and battery terminals regularly.
- Monitors gauges and listens for equipment malfunctions.
- Cleans, greases, and stores machinery after use to prevent damage.
- Fills out machinery worksheets daily to record hours worked, fuel/oil consumption, and mileage.
2. Performing Field Mechanical Operations
- Inspects fields for hazards (rocks, gullies) before operations.
- Carries out mechanical field operations (ploughing, discing, ripping, planting, spraying, harvesting).
- Inspects quality of work during and after operations.
- Checks machinery post-operation and reports faults to supervisor.
3. Service and Maintenance of Agricultural Machinery
- Notifies supervisor when machinery is due for service.
- Reports abnormalities not detected during diagnostics.
- Ensures machinery is cleaned before repair work begins.
4. Reporting of Field Mechanical Operations
- Completes daily worksheets detailing operations performed.
- Records tool acreage, field number, location, and payment receipt number.
- Conducts performance appraisals for technical staff under supervision.
JOB SPECIFICATION
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Junior Certificate with two (2) years of accident-free driving/operating experience
PLUS - Valid agricultural machinery operator’s licence (Tractor, Combine, etc.)
- Beginner Tractor Operator’s Certificate (added advantage)
OR
- Standard 7 with three (3) years of accident-free driving/operating experience
PLUS - Valid agricultural machinery operator’s licence
- Beginner Tractor Operator’s Certificate (added advantage)
RESPONSIBILITY
- For Property: Responsible for safe-keeping of agricultural machinery in the field, on the road, and in the workshop.
- For Effect of Errors: Accountable for poor quality operations provided to farmers.
- For Safety of Others: Enforces safety measures such as wearing protective clothing and safe handling of disassembled parts.
EFFORT
- Mental Effort: Requires mathematical calculations for area worked.
- Physical Effort: Involves operating, inspecting, and testing machinery.
- Emotional Effort: Requires compassion and understanding when dealing with farmers during conflict resolution.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Involves working with heavy machinery and components, which may pose risks of injury due to falls or accidents.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications must be submitted on relevant forms:
- GP 104 for serving officers
- GP 103 for job seekers
Applications must be accompanied by:
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
- Certified copy of National Identity Document
- Up-to-date performance appraisal forms (for serving officers)
Submission Address:
The Director Human Resources
Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
P.O. Box 24
Maseru 100
Deadline: Not later than 19th September 2025