Horticultural Workers
Employer
863 Airport Rd
Auburn, AL 36830
United States
Job description
Perform manual labor to plant, cultivate and tend to field grown and containerized plants and trees using hand gardening tools. Operate tractors, farm vehicles, forklifts and equipment. Spray, weed, fertilize, trim, space and water plants and trees. Space and prepare planting areas and fields. Pot and label containerized plants. Lift, carry, load and unload plants, planting tools and materials. Move containerized plants using 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 forklifts, 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. The job order will apply equally to all workers, both U.S. workers and H-2A workers, employed in the occupation described in this job order. 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. 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. 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. Raises/Bonuses: After initial evaluation of work performance or as separately disclosed herein, employer may offer raises and/or bonuses in its sole discretion, based on non-discriminatory individualized factors. The payroll period is bi-weekly. All workers are subject to qualitative performance evaluation relative to employer’s reasonable expectations. In assessing worker performance, employer evaluates whether the worker: (1) adequately complies with the Work Rules and any other policies or procedures disclosed to worker; (2) complies with all health and safety guidelines, including proper use of tools or equipment according to operating instructions and best practices designed to protect employer’s property, crops, and avoid injury or damage; (3) treats company property (tools, equipment, crops, fixtures, etc.) with care and respect, avoiding damage or improper cleanliness or maintenance standards; (4) timely and consistently follows instructions duly communicated by supervisors and other management personnel; (5) adheres to employer’s quality control standards for ensuring a marketable product, avoiding crop damage, etc.; (6) reports to work consistently at the time and place instructed, and remains at work for the agreed-upon work hours unless such absence is excused or approved in advance; (7) consistently performs duties assigned, in the manner instructed, and without purposefully malingering or acting in a recalcitrant manner (i.e., refusing without cause to perform certain duties, refusing to follow instructions, or performing work in a careless manner that poses a risk to the employer’s crops/commodities or other property or endangers the health/safety of others; and (8) maintains an acceptable attitude and demeanor consistent with ordinary workplace norms and standards (i.e., is not outwardly insubordinate, combative, offensive, or confrontational in interactions with peers or management personnel).
Special Requirements
One month of verifiable commercial nursery, horticultural or landscaping experience required. Work is outdoors and requires prolonged walking, reaching, bending, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. and pushing/pulling carts weighing up to 450 lbs.