Farmworker

Job description

Workers will plant, cultivate and harvest sugarcane by hand or machine. Operate vehicles, tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery. Work in groups to plant sugarcane while walking behind moving wagon. Remove pre-cut sugarcane stalks from supply trailer and manually place and straighten predetermined numbers of sugarcane stalks into an open furrow at specific intervals/overlaps. Load field wagons with sugarcane stalk segments. Pick up dropped sugarcane in fields. Chop and reconstruct the rows to plant sugarcane. May fertilize sugarcane. Clean, pack and load harvested products. Use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, pruning hooks, shears, and knives. Workers may clear and maintain drainage ditches. Perform general farm maintenance including weed and grass control. Repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment. Cleaning duties may include use of steam cleaners or high-pressure washers. Perform farm, field, and shed sanitation duties. Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may be required to drive company vehicles.
Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision.

Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honeybees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker's Sabbath or federal holidays. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

TERMINATION. Prior to any termination for cause, employer evaluates workers' performance of required tasks and compliance with Work Rules and other employer policies. Employer may terminate a worker for cause if the worker’s performance consistently and/or substantially fails to satisfy the employer’s reasonable expectations (in accordance with the criteria set forth herein), or otherwise engages in serious or egregious misconduct that endangers health, safety, or property. In assessing whether workers’ performance meets reasonable expectations, employer evaluates, among other reasonable criteria, whether the worker: (1) has adequately complied with the Work Rules and any other policies or procedures; (2) has complied with all health and safety guidelines, including the use of tools or equipment in accordance with best practices to protect the employer's property, crops, and in a manner that avoids injury or damage; (3) has treated company property (tools, equipment, crops, fixtures, etc.), with care and respect, avoiding damage or improper cleanliness or maintenance standards; (4) has timely and consistently followed instructions duly communicated by supervisors, crew leaders, and management personnel; (5) has complied with the employer’s quality control standards for ensuring a marketable product;

Special Requirements

Three months experience operating agricultural equipment in relation to sugarcane required. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Walk, bend, stoop, reach, kneel, push and pull for prolonged periods of time. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Work outside in inclement weather conditions including extremely hot, cold and/or wet weather. Requires physical stamina. Must be 18 or older. Additional hours may be offered during planting and harvesting seasons.