Christmas Tree Worker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Fraser fir trees, boxwoods.
This job requires a minimum of one month prior verifiable experience working on a Christmas tree farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all duties of entry level workers, as well as perform additional mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Applicants must be able to furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third party documentation from recent employer(s) establishing acceptable prior experience. Workers will perform heavy manual field work including but not limited to planting, cultivating, harvesting/cutting and baling Fraser fir Christmas trees and boxwoods on a tree farm. Selects trees for cutting according to markings or size, species and grade and fells trees using axe or chain saw. Drags cut trees from cutting area, runs trees through tree baler and loads trees onto trucks for transport. May drive trucks or tractors to transport trees from the field to central loading area. Remove brush, ferns, vines and other growth from planting area using tractor, mattocks and brush hooks and axes. Plant seedlings using mattock or dibble. Shear tops and limb tips from Fraser fir Christmas trees and shape boxwoods, as specified by supervisor, to control growth, increase limb density and improve shape. Make wreaths and roping from cut greenery produced on the farm.

Workers will take inventory and grade plants, prepare trees and shrubs for digging by tying or wrapping as necessary; wrap burlap or other covering around root balls and secure with twine and/or staples; crimp wire baskets; lift, carry and load nursery stock, trees and boxwoods onto trucks for transport; and unload, move or load supplies, including wire baskets. Hand dig (with shovel) nursery stock, trees and boxwoods. Prepare fields for planting by clearing cull stock, brush and debris; plant seedlings or ‘liners' by hand (including riding and inserting liners in a mechanical planter); load, unload or transplant bare-root nursery stock; straighten, tie, prune and shear trees and shrubs; cut, pull or remove and mow weeds or grass; move irrigation equipment; apply agricultural chemicals: herbicides and insecticides (as regulated by the EPA, WPS, and OSHA), and apply fertilizer.

Work will also include heavy mechanized field work using power equipment. By way of example and not limitation power equipment may include power shears, trimmers, chain saws, and tractors. Workers must be able to perform all duties of entry level workers as well as perform additional mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency.

Workers with appropriate licenses may operate general purpose vehicles to transport workers, equipment and product from one field location or facility to another. Workers may be required to do any other manual tasks involved in the harvesting of evergreen trees and boxwoods and the maintenance of tree nurseries, fields and other production areas.

Work is performed as a member of a crew under close supervision of a field supervisor. Instructions and general supervision will be provided by a designated lead worker or company supervisor. Field workers will be expected to perform their general duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision.

Workers must work outdoors in all weather in temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is considered heavy manual labor; to perform the job adequately workers must be able to lift 50-100 lb. trees over the course of a normal work day. Workers will be expected to work in light snow or rain showers. Workers should be able to work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers' ability to perform the job.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of one month prior verifiable experience working on a Christmas tree farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Saturday work required. Must be able lift/carry 50-100 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire random, upon suspicion, and post-accident drug testing required.