Description
Operate and control picker machines to mechanically harvest crops, monitoring picking heads, conveyors, and collection systems to minimize loss and maintain quality. Perform setup, calibration, routine maintenance, and safe operation, coordinate unloading to bins, modules, or trailers, and record yields. May operate related post-harvest equipment such as module builders or sorting conveyors.
- • Monitor gauges and sounds to detect malfunctions or blockages; stop to troubleshoot.
- • Clear jams and debris from picking units and conveyors using lockout and hand tools.
- • Adjust, repair, and service picker components; report major issues to supervisors.
- • Attach and align picking heads, headers, or platforms using bolts and hand tools.
- • Coordinate with ground crews for bin changes, unloading, and safe field traffic.
- • Offload product into bins, modules, or gondolas; operate unloading fans and conveyors.
- • Move modules, bins, or trailers to staging areas; operate module builders as directed.
- • Inspect harvested product quality; remove foreign material and reject damaged product.
- • Weigh bins or modules and record weights, field location, and machine settings.
- • Regulate product flow on conveyors to prevent spillage and equipment overload.
- • Perform pre-shift inspections; check fluids, belts, spindles, guards, and safety systems.
- • Operate and maneuver self-propelled or towed pickers along designated rows.
- • Set header height, picking speed, fan/suction, and conveyor flow for field conditions.
- • Load and unload bins or pallets with forklifts or loaders when needed.
- • Clean picker units, radiators, and cabs; lubricate and refuel at shift end.
- • Follow GPS guidance, flags, or maps to align rows and minimize crop loss.
- • Follow PPE, lockout, and field safety procedures; keep work areas tidy.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
