Farm Workers

Job description

Perform manual labor to harvest, grade and pack tomatoes and peppers. Operate, repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment. Use hand tools such as shovels, hoes and knives. Till soil, apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers to crops. Work alongside tractor and trailer that are moving through the field while workers harvest produce. Workers will not break skin of tomato, drop tomato, or leave any appropriate product on the plant during harvest. Clean, pack and load harvested tomatoes and peppers. Install or remove items required in plasticulture. Install and remove stakes, wire, netting and string. Grade, sort, wash, select, label, pack and load harvested products. Assemble cartons, crates and containers using hand tools. Grade and sort products according to specified factors and discard defective, inferior and/or foreign matter. Place acceptable products in specified containers according to grade, which is marked on containers. Stack containers in specified locations. Record grade and/or identification number on tags and/or shipping, receiving or sales sheets. Examine and inspect containers, materials and products to ensure that packing specifications are met. Stack boxes onto pallets, transport vehicles or trailers. Clean and maintain packing facility, fields and equipment. Clear and maintain irrigation ditches and work areas. Construct trellises, repair fences and farm buildings and participate in irrigation activities. Set up and operate irrigation equipment. As a minor activity, plant and harvest watermelons, sweet corn, squash and cucumbers. Assist with Good Agricultural Practices policies.

Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, 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

One month of vegetable harvesting experience is required. Perform prolonged walking, bending, reaching and lifting and carrying up to 50 lb. bags of fertilizer. Work on feet in a stooped or crouched position for long periods of time, work in extreme temperatures ranging from 40 to 105 degrees, and have physical stamina. Must be 18 years of age or older. Employer is a Drug Free Workplace. Drug testing is conducted post-hire at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.