Liquid Manure Application Lead & Equipment Operator

Liquid Manure Application Lead & Equipment Operator

Location: East Central Iowa (Cedar Rapids DMA & Surrounding Counties)

Compensation: Competitive Hourly Base + Overtime (70+ hrs/week in-season) + Paid Commercial Applicator Licensing

Career Path: Direct Advancement Track to Line Manager within 2 Years

About Gravel Run Custom Pumping

Established in 2016, Gravel Run Custom Pumping is a growing custom manure application business serving hog, dairy, and beef producers throughout East Central Iowa. We specialize in high-efficiency dragline manure application services, prioritizing equipment safety, mechanical reliability, and exceptional producer relationships.

Position Summary

We are seeking dependable, mechanically inclined Agricultural Equipment Operators to safely operate, service, and maintain our dragline application systems, support vehicles, and fleet equipment. This role is ideal for self-motivated individuals who thrive in dynamic field environments, take pride in machinery maintenance, and seek a fast-track opportunity toward an agricultural leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Dragline Field Operations: Safely operate and monitor liquid manure dragline application equipment, tractors, and support vehicles across customer job sites.
• Preventative Maintenance & Repair: Perform routine shop maintenance, mechanical troubleshooting, and repairs on machinery, on-road trucks, and off-road fleet vehicles.
• Seasonal Execution: Work extended hours (70+ hours/week during peak spring and fall application seasons, including weekends). Flexible scheduling is provided during the off-season.
• Operational Leadership: Train toward becoming a Liquid Manure Application Lead, taking ownership of field efficiency, safety protocols, and client communications.
• Process Improvement: Identify operational efficiencies to optimize dragline pumping setups, reduce downtime, and drive business growth.

Qualifications & Requirements

• License & Certification: Valid Driver’s License required. Must obtain a Commercial Manure Applicator License within 30 days of start date (100% of training and licensing fees covered by Gravel Run).
• Mechanical Aptitude: Practical experience maintaining, repairing, or operating farm machinery, heavy equipment, or commercial vehicles.
• Work Ethic & Reliability: Strong personal integrity, consistent attendance, and the self-motivation required to manage changing field conditions.
• Teamwork & Communication: Clear communication skills and a team-first mindset.

Growth Opportunities

Demonstrated reliability and leadership in this role offers a clear career pathway to Line Manager within 24 months.

Gravel Run Custom Pumping was established in 2016. We are a family owned, custom manure application business that provides dragline manure application services to hog, dairy and beef producers in East Central Iowa.