Horticultural Workers

Job description

Perform manual labor to plant, cultivate and tend to field grown and containerized Annual and Perennial bedding plants using hand gardening tools. Operate tractors, farm vehicles, forklifts and equipment. Spray, weed, fertilize, trim, space and water plants. Space and prepare planting areas and fields. Pot and label plants. Lift, carry, load and unload plants, planting tools and materials. Move containerized plants using wheelbarrows, tractors or forklifts. Clean work areas, and maintain grounds and landscaping. Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels. Maintain and repair irrigation and climate control systems. Dig, rake and screen soil. Workers may also be requested to select plants for shipping, implement freeze-protection measures, and perform routine maintenance and repairs. Apply pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. Workers with a valid license and doctor's certificate may transport other workers and be offered additional hours. 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; (6) is not repeatedly tardy or absent, has reported to work at the time and place instructed, and remained at work for the agreed-upon work hours, unless such absence was excused or the worker timely communicated and sought approval for any deviation from such schedule; (7) has consistently performed the duties assigned, in the manner instructed, and has not purposefully malingered or acted in a recalcitrant manner (i.e., refusing without cause to perform certain duties, refused to follow instructions, performed work in in a careless or reckless manner that poses a risk to the employer's crops/commodities, company property, or the health/safety of others, etc.).

Special Requirements

One month of verifiable commercial nursery, horticultural or landscaping experience required. Work is outdoors in inclement weather and requires prolonged walking, reaching, bending, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs and pushing/pulling carts weighing up to 450 lbs.