Farmworker: Diversified (45-2092.00)

Job description

Workers will perform tasks for various employers as listed on their contract.
Crops: Flowers, Bulbs, Trees, Woody Ornamentals
The job duties include: herbicide application, spraying chemical application pump backpack sprayer, application of insecticide and fungicides, hose rig spray, spray equipment calibration, hand crank herbicide application, application of granular fertilizer, maintenance of loading racks, physical loading of plants to trucks, verify quality of plant materials for order picking, verification of order counts, coordination of sales order instructions, palletization of plant materials, planting of nursery stock, set down of nursery stock in assigned locations, operate tractor to bring plants from Canning to field and during Picking for Order Assembly to Loading areas, plastic pot organization and stacking, spacing of nursery stock as assigned, potting of large container nursery stock, loading rack assembly, load divider assembly, greenhouse maintenance, application of growing fabric onto bed, and application and removal of shades.
Farm Equipment Operation: Workers may be required to operate tractor during daily operations to bring plants from Canning to field and during Picking for Order Assembly to Loading areas, as an incidental activity. Before any worker is required to operate tractor, workers will be instructed in the safety and operation of the tractor before driving the tractor. Tractors should be driven in a manner to protect operator, other workers, products, trees, crops, and equipment. Repeated failure to obey safety requirements and operating instructions may result in termination.

GENERAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CROPS: Fieldwork begins at assigned time usually shortly after daylight. Work is performed during light rain and in high humidity and in temperatures ranging from 100 (+) degrees to 35 degrees F. Workers will work on their feet in bent, stooped, and crouched positions for long periods of time. Workers will make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists. Workers must be able to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs. Workers will use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects, such as potted plants. Workers will frequently lift trees ranging in weight 75 lbs. and occasionally 100 lbs. Workers may occasionally lift trees weighing up to 100 lbs. Workers will supply their own work clothes. All the tasks in this Job Description constitute one (1) job; the employer may assign workers to different tasks on any day or to multiple tasks during the same day in the sole judgment of the employer. This is a very demanding and competitive business in which quality specifications must be rigorously adhered to. Sloppy work cannot and will not be tolerated.

Instructions and general supervision will be provided by the farm owner/supervisor or a designated employee. However, field workers will be expected to perform their duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision.

The employer retains the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able to but does not demonstrate the willingness to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product.

During certain duties, workers may be required to work in teams to accomplish a certain task. When engaged in teamwork activities workers must coordinate with other members of the team to accomplish the task.

Special Requirements

All applicants must have three months experience working in agriculture/horticulture. Applicants must furnish affirmative job references from recent employers operating comparable operations establishing acceptable previous experience. Must be physically able to meet and perform all job specifications stated in job order. Must be able to work in the hot humid weather for extended periods of time. Workers are subject to random drug testing at no cost to the employee. All drug testing will occur after the worker begins his or her employment and is not a part of the interview process. Failing or refusing a drug test will result in immediate termination.