Job Description

King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas is hiring Heavy Equipment Operators.

Job Description

Role Summary:

Efficiently and safely operate various types of heavy equipment or spray rigs to clear, treat, or reclaim pasturelands for wildlife habitat and/or grazing improvement. This could also include repair of roads, other terrain or earthen structures, planting, or other tasks as assigned.

What to Expect in the Role:

• Fasten attachments and implements to tractors or other equipment with clevis, wedge, or other type hitches.


• Connect hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkage, or power takeoff shaft to equipment to provide power to raise, lower, or tilt a wide variety of attachments and applicators.


• Moves levers to control tool bars, buckets, carriers, disks, spray apparatus, etc. as appropriate for terrain.


• Moves levers and depresses pedals to maneuver tractor and raise, lower, and tilt attachments to conduct proper application and treatment as per King Ranch prescribed protocols for each treatment application.


• Feels levers and listens for stalling action of engine to estimate depth of cut, capability of machine, etc.


• Safely operates various equipment (tractors, excavators, spray rigs, dozers, loaders, etc.) in successive passes over rough and uneven terrain for brush management purposes.


• Grease, oil, and perform minor repairs on equipment as needed and as per protocols.


• Responsible for daily maintenance and inspection of all equipment prior to use, and for operating in such a manner to prevent undue wear or damage to equipment.


• Aid in the safe conduction of prescribed burn plans, including pre-burn treatments (such as disking) that may be required.


• Report any damage to equipment, or unsuitability of equipment or terrain for the assigned treatment, immediately to supervisor.

What We Will Be Needing From You:

• Minimum High School Diploma required.


• Some previous heavy equipment operation experience preferred


• Ability to follow GPS treatment patterns, identify individual plant species for treatment, and follow complex treatment protocols or instructions.


• Ability to operate safely and efficiently, or rapidly learn to operate safely and efficiently, a wide variety of heavy or other equipment as may be used by King Ranch from time to time.


• Ability to manage properly and safely, mix, handle, and apply herbicides, fertilizers, fuels, and lubricants. 


• Ability to mix various compounds accurately and safely as per supervisor instructions. 


• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, including maps.


• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.


• Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing and maintain status as an approved driver for the company and to safely operate vehicles.


• Ability to safely work alone and take personal responsibility for making sound judgements as regards operation of equipment.


• Ability to successfully complete herbicide applicator course for license if required.

About Us

Not Just Cowboys…but we have those too!

To attract and retain the best talent possible, King Ranch, Inc. is committed to providing a culture focused on our core values, which include being a team player, honesty, accountability, willingness to learn and excellence. These aren’t just words to us, they are us! Our employees give their best each and every day to safeguard the legacy we have been entrusted with. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of we encourage you to apply and join the King Ranch team.

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