Tractor Operators

Job Description

Tana River Sugar Company (TRSC) is a Kenyan agribusiness developing a large-scale, integrated sugar and renewable-energy complex at Bura, in Tana River County.
Vacancies

1. High Power Tractor Operator - Land Preparation - 7 Positions 
2. Medium Power Tractor Operator - Land Preparation & Sugarcane Planting - 10 Positions
3. General Purpose Tractor Operator - Land Preparation & Haulage - 5 Positions

High Power Tractor Operator - Land Preparation - 7 Positions  (TRSC/MPTO/AGR/2026.)

• 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.

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.

Medium Power Tractor Operator - Land Preparation & Sugarcane Planting - 10 Positions (TRSC/MPTO/AGR/2026)

• We are recruiting Medium-Power Tractor Operators to manage specialized planting and secondary land preparation operations. You will operate 155 – 190 hp MFWD tractors equipped with heavy-duty trailed billet planters, multi-row bed formers, and complementary equipment. This role combines technical precision, agronomic knowledge, and operational discipline to ensure optimal crop establishment and uniform plantation geometry.

Qualification, skills and Competencies

• Valid NTSA Class G12 heavy agricultural equipment operator licence.
• Minimum five (5) years hands-on experience operating high-power agricultural tractors in commercial farming, plantation, land development, or similar field operations.
• Demonstrated experience operating trailed planters, bed formers, heavy agricultural implements, or precision farming equipment is highly desirable.
• Practical experience in sugarcane planting, bed formation, ratoon management, or other row-crop establishment operations will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated competence in operating tractors with advanced hydraulic, PTO, three-point linkage, and implement-control systems.
• Strong practical understanding of the mechanical and hydraulic operation of trailed sugarcane planters, including moving-floor hopper systems, billet feed mechanisms, seed/billet metering, depth control, row spacing, and hydraulic implement controls.
• Ability to identify and respond to hydraulic pressure abnormalities, leaks, blockages, feed-system failures, and other planter faults, and communicate technical issues accurately to the maintenance team.
• Proficiency in operating, setting, and adjusting multi-row bed formers, including row spacing, bed geometry, working depth, alignment, and field drainage configuration.
• Good understanding of sugarcane planting depth, billet placement, soil contact, row alignment, and establishment requirements, and how soil moisture and compaction affect planting quality, bed integrity, and traction.
• Ability to monitor work rates and calculate hectares per hour, fuel consumption per hectare, planting output, and operational efficiency.
• Strong machine-care discipline, attention to detail, situational awareness, teamwork, and commitment to safe and productive field operations.

General Purpose Tractor Operator - Land Preparation & Haulage - 5 Positions (TRSC/GPTO/AGR/2026)

• We are seeking General-Purpose Tractor Operators to manage medium-power tractor operations including amendment haulage, light field haulage, and gypsum application on our expanding sugarcane estate. You will operate 120 – 140 hp MFWD tractors equipped with tipping trailers, gypsum applicators, and complementary attachments. This role supports broader land preparation and development operations while maintaining equipment in optimal condition.

Qualification, skills and Competencies

• Valid NTSA Class G12 heavy agricultural equipment operator licence.
• Minimum three (3) years hands-on experience operating agricultural tractors, preferably 120 hp or above.
• Demonstrated experience towing heavy agricultural or tipping trailers in commercial farming, plantation, quarry, earthworks, or similar field environments.
• Demonstrated ability to operate tractors safely on soft, uneven, muddy, and partially prepared terrain.
• Experience operating gypsum, fertilizer, lime, manure, or other soil amendment applicators will be an added advantage.
• Experience in large-scale commercial agriculture, sugarcane production, plantation development, or land development will be an added advantage.
• Understanding of tractor mechanics, safe towing procedures, trailer braking systems, and weight distribution principles; proficiency with implement PTO systems is required.
• Basic knowledge of soil amendments, application rates, and the relationship between amendment application and soil improvement.
• Understanding of the advantages of flotation tires for safe operation on soft, partially prepared ground.

How to Apply

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