Farmworker: Diversified (45-2092.00)

Job description

Worker must possess the physical strength and endurance (ability to continue or last) to repeat the harvest process though out the workday, working quickly and skillfully to perform activities assigned during that activity. Workers may not leave trash, or other discarded items in work areas or vehicles but must dispose of such items in provided receptacles. Workers must wash hands with soap and water after all bathroom and meal breaks. Allergies to varieties of ragweed, goldenrod, insecticides, related agricultural chemicals, etc., may affect worker’s ability to perform the work described herein.

Sanitation Requirements: For food and general personal safety purposes, all workers will be required and expected to follow common sanitary practices at all times. This is particularly critical when hand harvesting crops for human consumption. Employees are required to cleanse their hands by washing them thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before entering the fields for harvest activities or the packing facility for packing operations.

Workers will harvest, pack, turn vines, weed, lay plastic, transplanting and performing post-harvest clean up.

Watermelon, Pumpkins & Cantaloupe’s: Workers will work in groups of 3-16 workers depending on the job, weather, and field conditions. At harvest, workers will be expected to select the melons based on the standard disclosed to the worker by the supervisor. Workers will walk along rows and cut melons according to size, color, shape and degree of maturity using a knife. Workers will load harvested watermelons onto flatbed truck. Workers may be required to unload watermelons, onto a conveyor belt. Also, the workers will be expected to grade, sort, and place in shipping containers. Workers will also turn the vines of growing melons. Workers may be required to remove weeds by hand or with a hoe during the season. Workers will be required to perform post-harvest field clean up. Workers will pull out plastic and load on to small trailers according to their supervisor’s instructions.

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

Farm Equipment Operation During Field Operations: Workers may be required to operate tractors and other farm equipment during field operations as an incidental activity in the production of crops. Before any worker is required to operate any farm equipment, the worker will be instructed in the proper and safe operation of tractor. Workers will be required to operate tractors according to instructions and in a manner that protects the operator, other workers, trees, crops and equipment. Properly licenses workers may drive employers vehicles to transport crops, tools, and workers.
Repeated failure to obey operating and safety instructions may result in termination.

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

Farm, Field, and Shed Sanitation: All workers will be responsible for picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping floors and other farm and shed sanitation duties.

Special Requirements

All applicants must have at least 3 months experience hand harvesting a perishable crop. Applicants must be able to furnish affirmative job references from recent employers. 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.