TLB Operator

TLB/Digger Loader Operator — Secondary Function: Tractor Driver

Purpose:

The Digger Loader Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and competent operation of a digger loader/TLB in support of farm, maintenance, landscaping, road, drainage, and general operational activities. The role ensures that excavation, loading, trenching, levelling, material handling, and site preparation work is completed according to operational requirements, safety standards, and supervisor instructions.

As a secondary function, the employee will operate tractors and tractor-drawn implements when required, including the transport of materials, equipment, agricultural inputs, and general farm support duties. The position requires strict adherence to equipment operating procedures, daily inspection routines, health and safety requirements, and responsible care of company machinery.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Digger Loader / TLB Operation:

• Operate the digger loader/TLB safely and efficiently for digging, trenching, loading, levelling, backfilling, site clearing, and material handling duties.
• Carry out excavation and loading work according to site requirements, supervisor instructions, and safe working procedures.
• Load, move, stockpile, spread, and place soil, stone, compost, rubble, sand, and other materials as required.
• Operate on farm roads, vineyards, uneven ground, and confined spaces with due care and control.
• Ensure all work is completed without damage to property, infrastructure, vineyards, irrigation lines, vehicles, equipment, or surrounding work areas.

2. Tractor Driving and Farm Support:

• Operate tractors and tractor-drawn implements as required for general farm, vineyard, maintenance, and transport activities.
• Transport equipment, tools, materials, grapes, waste, compost, and other goods safely between designated work areas.
• Assist with soil preparation, farm road maintenance, vineyard support work, spraying support, trailer work, and other operational tasks where tractor use is required.
• Ensure trailers, implements, and attachments are correctly connected, secured, and used within safe operating limits.
• Assist with manual farm and maintenance duties when machinery operation is not required.

3. Equipment Inspection and Basic Maintenance:

• Conduct documented pre-start and end-of-shift inspections on the digger loader, tractors, trailers, and attachments.
• Check fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, water, tyres, brakes, lights, warning devices, safety guards, buckets, forks, and attachments before operation.
• Clean machinery, remove debris, and keep equipment in a neat, safe, and serviceable condition.
• Report defects, leaks, abnormal sounds, damage, wear, breakdowns, and unsafe conditions immediately to the supervisor.
• Assist with basic maintenance tasks such as greasing, refuelling, cleaning filters, and checking attachments where authorised and competent to do so.
• Ensure machinery is parked safely, secured after use, and stored in the designated area.

4. Site Operations and Work Execution:

• Prepare work areas safely before operating machinery, including checking ground conditions, access routes, overhead hazards, services, and nearby people or equipment.
• Work according to task instructions, site plans, operational priorities, and relevant farm or maintenance schedules.
• Support road repairs, drainage work, erosion control, vineyard infrastructure maintenance, landscaping, building maintenance, and general estate upkeep.
• Coordinate with supervisors, maintenance teams, vineyard teams, contractors, and other operators to complete work safely and efficiently.
• Maintain good housekeeping around work areas and ensure materials are handled, stored, and disposed of responsibly.

5. Safety, Compliance and Risk Control:

• Operate all machinery in accordance with company procedures, manufacturer instructions, site rules, and applicable health and safety requirements.
• Identify hazards, assess basic risks, and stop work where unsafe conditions are present.
• Use personal protective equipment as required and ensure safe separation between machinery, pedestrians, vehicles, structures, and livestock or visitors where applicable.
• Follow safe loading, unloading, lifting, tipping, reversing, parking, slope, and attachment-change procedures at all times.
• Report incidents, near misses, damage, spills, unsafe behaviour, and equipment faults immediately.

6. Records, Communication and Reporting:

• Complete inspection checklists, usage records, job cards, fuel records, and other operational documentation accurately where required.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors regarding work progress, delays, hazards, resource needs, and machinery availability.
• Follow instructions accurately and confirm task requirements where unclear before operating machinery.
• Maintain professional conduct and cooperate with other departments to support operational continuity.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum Grade 10; Grade 12 or equivalent advantageous.
• Valid certification or competency to operate a digger loader/TLB from an accredited training provider.
• Minimum 5 years’ practical experience operating a digger loader/TLB, preferably in farming, construction, civil works, estate maintenance, or similar environments.
• Proven ability to operate tractors and tractor-drawn implements safely; tractor driving experience in an agricultural environment advantageous.
• Valid driver’s licence required; Code 10/Code C1 advantageous where transport duties require it.
• Basic mechanical understanding, ability to complete equipment checks, and sound knowledge of safe machinery operation.

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a valid competency certificate to operate a digger loader/TLB from an accredited training provider?

Experience:

• practical experience operating a digger loader/TLB: 5 years (Required)

Location:

• Stellenbosch, Western Cape (Required)

Work Location: In person