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High-Power Tractor Operator - Land Preparation

(TRSC Farm – Bura, Tana River County)

Role Summary

We are seeking experienced High-Power Tractor Operators to manage primary land preparation operations on our sugarcane development estate. You will operate powerful multi-function tractors (247 – 280 kW) equipped with specialized tillage attachments including deep rippers, heavy-duty disc harrows, and complementary equipment to prepare land for sugarcane cultivation. This role demands technical expertise, precision operation of complex hydraulic systems, and commitment to achieving uniform soil conditions that support optimal crop performance.

Department:
Agriculture
Reports to:
Agricultural & Land Development Engineer / Workshop Supervisor
Commencement:
November 2026
Employment terms:
Full-time - Term Contract
Equipment:
247 – 280 kW / 331 – 375 hp tractors (MFWD/4WD)

Qualification, skills and Competencies

  • Valid NTSA Class G12 heavy agricultural equipment operator licence, plus any other mandatory operator competency documentation.
  • Minimum six (6) years’ hands-on experience operating high-power agricultural tractors in commercial farming, plantation development, land preparation, or similar demanding environments.
  • Demonstrated experience operating deep rippers and heavy-duty disc harrows in intensive land preparation operations, including primary and secondary tillage, levelling, residue incorporation, and seedbed preparation.
  • Demonstrated competence in operating tractors with advanced hydraulic, PTO, three-point linkage, and implement-control systems.
  • Experience in large-scale sugarcane, agricultural estate, or commercial plantation development will be an added advantage.
  • Strong practical understanding of soil mechanics, compaction, hardpan formation, soil moisture, traction, and tillage principles, including ripper shatter mechanics (tine spacing, working depth, fracture patterns, and the effect of speed on ripping quality).
  • Proficiency in operating and adjusting heavy disc harrows, including disc angle, working depth, levelling, blade wear, and implement alignment.
  • Strong knowledge of tractor hydraulic systems, pressure and flow requirements, PTO operation, three-point linkage, ballast/weight distribution, and basic troubleshooting; able to identify abnormal conditions and communicate technical issues accurately to the maintenance team.
  • Ability to calculate and monitor field work rates, hectares per hour, fuel consumption per hectare, and operational efficiency, and to adjust travel speed and operating parameters to soil resistance, moisture, terrain, and implement load.
  • Familiarity with GPS-guided agricultural machinery and precision farming systems; exposure to GPS/RTK-guided field operations will be an added advantage.
  • Strong machine-care discipline, situational awareness, communication, teamwork, and commitment to safe and efficient operation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications via the careers portal, clearly quoting the Reference Code TRSC/MPTO/AGR/2026.

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Principal Accountabilities

  • Operate high-power MFWD/4WD agricultural tractors within a five-unit fleet supporting the estate’s primary and secondary land preparation programme.
  • Operate a deep ripper to a minimum working depth of 0.60 metres, breaking hardpan and compacted soil layers to improve root penetration, water infiltration, subsurface drainage, and overall soil structure for sugarcane production.
  • Maintain the required field productivity and coordinate with other tractor operators to run deep ripping and secondary harrowing operations in parallel, ensuring adequate fleet capacity and operational redundancy.
  • Operate the heavy-duty disc harrow following deep ripping to break soil clods, incorporate crop residue and approved soil amendments, level the field, and produce a uniform seedbed suitable for subsequent planting operations.
  • Assess soil conditions and appropriately adjust ripper depth, harrow settings, tractor speed, and operating technique according to soil type, moisture content, compaction levels, terrain, and prevailing weather conditions.
  • Ensure effective sequencing of primary and secondary tillage operations to achieve the required land preparation standard without unnecessary passes, fuel consumption, or soil disturbance.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-start inspections of the tractor, engine, tires, hydraulic systems, PTO, three-point linkage, drawbar, implements, hydraulic connections, and safety systems before commencing work.
  • Safely connect, disconnect, and adjust implements, ensuring correct hydraulic connections, PTO engagement, operating depth, ballast, weight distribution, and implement alignment.
  • Monitor fuel consumption and operating hours and adopt efficient operating practices to maximize hectares completed per hour while minimizing fuel use, tire wear, and equipment stress.
  • Operate safely across varying conditions, including freshly cleared land, previously cultivated fields, compacted areas, uneven terrain, and fields with varying moisture levels.
  • Maintain accurate daily operation records detailing hectares completed, ripping depth, harrow settings, operating hours, fuel consumption, soil/ground conditions, delays, breakdowns, and equipment issues.
  • Immediately report mechanical, hydraulic, PTO, implement, or safety concerns to the equipment/maintenance team and avoid continued operation where doing so could cause equipment damage or create an unsafe condition.
  • Coordinate closely with Agronomy, Land Development, Plant & Machinery, and other field teams to ensure land preparation activities meet the required technical and agronomic standards.
  • Comply fully with company HSE procedures, equipment operating standards, field traffic controls, exclusion zones, and safe working practices.
  • Perform any other duties related to tractor operation and land preparation as assigned by the Supervisor.