Farm Workers - Nursery

Job description

Perform manual labor to transplant, prune, thin and harvest large deciduous and evergreen trees. Load and unload trees, pots, stakes, tools and equipment. Use hand tools such as pruning shears, shears, pole pruners, chainsaw, ladders, shovels, hoes, rakes, loppers, crimping tools and tapeners to transplant, prune, thin, and harvest trees including deciduous trees and evergreen trees. Prepare fields by removing rocks and sticks placing them into wheelbarrows, tractor bucket, trailers or constructing a pile. Load potted plants and trees onto trailers or in truck for planting. Groups of workers will transplant trees by removing potted plants off trailer that is moving down the row, digging a hole with shovel, placing tree in hole and covering with dirt using a shovel. After tree is planted, place empty pot back onto trailer or truck. Use tapener to tape bamboo around tree to hold the tree in place for tree to grow straight. Work in groups when harvesting trees to wrap, strap and crimp basket onto root ball and use twine to wrap branches to prepare tree for shipment. Walk nursery carrying ladder down assigned rows to thin, prune and shape trees as instructed by supervisor. Limbs must not be torn from the tree, nor should limbs be completely stripped of leaves. Scoop soil into pot from pile and place filled pot back onto trailer to prepare for the upcoming season. Fertilize and spray herbicide as needed. Install irrigation by laying drip tube and punching holes. Clean, repair and maintain irrigation. Clean and maintain work areas. Workers may operate nursery vehicles and machinery. Using the employer's vehicles, licensed drivers may transport workers and may 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.

Special Requirements

Three months of farmwork experience required. Work outside in inclement weather conditions including extremely hot, cold, humid and/or wet weather for extensive periods of time. Perform prolonged walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, and climb 6 ft. ladders and reach over head for extended periods of time.