Mower Operator & Farm Hand
Utility-Scale Solar Grazing Operation
Position: Mower Operator & Farm Hand
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: Utility-scale solar farm / agricultural operation
Reports To: Farm/Solar Grazing Manager
About the Position
We are seeking a dependable, hardworking Mower Operator & Farm Hand to join our solar grazing operation. This position combines agricultural work, vegetation management, equipment operation, and general farm maintenance at utility-scale solar sites.
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in operating and maintaining equipment, and is comfortable working independently around large solar installations and livestock.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate commercial mowers, tractors, brush cutters, UTVs, and other farm equipment.
- Mow and manage vegetation around and beneath solar panel arrays.
- Maintain grass and forage to support a healthy solar grazing environment.
- Assist with rotational grazing and livestock movement as needed.
- Inspect and maintain fencing, gates, water systems, and livestock infrastructure.
- Perform routine equipment inspections, greasing, fueling, and basic maintenance.
- Identify and report equipment, fence, water, vegetation, or site issues.
- Assist with weed control, brush management, trimming, and general grounds maintenance.
- Keep solar-site access roads, gates, equipment areas, and work areas maintained.
- Follow all site safety procedures and work safely around electrical equipment, solar infrastructure, livestock, and heavy machinery.
- Maintain accurate records of mowing, maintenance, livestock movements, and other assigned work.
- Assist with additional farm and solar-site projects as needed.
Qualifications
Required:
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Experience operating tractors, zero-turn mowers, brush cutters, or similar equipment.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely operate equipment for extended periods.
- Strong work ethic and dependable attendance.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to lift, carry, bend, climb, and perform physically demanding farm work.
- Good communication skills and attention to detail.
Preferred:
- Agricultural, landscaping, farm, or construction experience.
- Experience with livestock, especially sheep.
- Experience maintaining fences and livestock watering systems.
- Experience operating tractors and implements.
- Basic mechanical and equipment-maintenance skills.
- CDL or other relevant equipment certifications.
What We're Looking For
The right person doesn't need to know everything about solar grazing on day one. We're looking for someone who is reliable, mechanically inclined, safety-conscious, and willing to learn.
You should be comfortable getting your hands dirty, solving problems in the field, and taking ownership of your work. Experience around livestock and agricultural equipment is a major plus.
Physical & Working Conditions
This is an outdoor, hands-on position. Work may include:
- Working in heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sunlight.
- Walking and working on uneven terrain.
- Operating machinery for extended periods.
- Lifting and moving equipment, fencing materials, feed, and supplies.
- Working around livestock and electrical/solar infrastructure.
- Occasional early mornings, weekends, or schedule changes based on weather, livestock needs, and site conditions.
Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Altavista, VA 24517 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
