Nursery Worker (45-2092.00)

Job description

Workers will perform tasks for various employers as listed on their contract.

Crops: Annual Bedding Plants, Vegetable Plants, Flowering Hanging Baskets, Geraniums, Flowering Patio
Pots, Herbs,

General overview of work task include: General greenhouse labor, working on planting lines, setting and picking up product, hanging baskets, sweeping floors. Planting, sticking cuttings, watering plants, loading carts, pulling orders, cleaning, pulling weeds, maintenance and upkeep of the facility outside and inside, mowing, trimming, cutting trees,
cleaning/pruning flowers, snow removal, white washing the greenhouse, putting pots together, working on planting line, sowing seed, labeling, equipment maintenance, spacing pots and flats, splitting firewood.

GENERAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CROPS: Fieldwork begins at assigned time shortly after daylight. Work may be performed during light rain and in high humidity and in temperatures ranging from 110 degrees to 20 degrees F. Workers will perform the majority of tasks standing in the upright position and can expect to stand on their feet for extended periods of time. Some tasks, however, require workers to perform activities on their feet in stooped or crouched position for long periods of time. Workers will supply their own work clothes. All the tasks in this Job Description constitute one (1) job; the employer may assign workers to different tasks on any day or to multiple tasks during the same day in the sole judgment of the employer. This is a very demanding and competitive business in which quality specifications must be rigorously adhered to. Sloppy work cannot and will not be tolerated.

Instructions and general supervision will be provided by the farm owner/supervisor or a designated employee. However, field workers will be expected to perform their duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision.

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

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

Full Crop Commitment: This is regular work, six hours per day, Monday-Friday, and five hours on Saturday for the full remainder of the period of employment. The worker agrees to work for assigned employer(s) whenever work is available during the full remaining period of employment even though work may be slack at times. The worker understands that if the worker quits or is terminated for cause prior to the end of the period of employment, the worker will not receive the 3/4 guarantees and will not receive certain transportation reimbursements. Excessive tardiness and/or absences will not be tolerated and will result in termination.

Daily individual work assignments, crew assignments, and location of work, will be made by and at the sole discretion of the farm manger and/or farm supervisor as the needs of the farming operation dictate. Workers may be assigned a variety of duties in any given day and/or different tasks on different days. Workers will be expected to perform any of the listed duties and work on any crop as assigned by the worker's supervisor.

Harvesting specifications, in particular, can change from time to time during the season due to crop or market conditions, even on the same crop. Workers will be expected to conform to the specific instructions given for each day’s work.

Special Requirements

Workers must have at least 3 months experience as a farm worker. Applicants must be able to furnish affirmative job references from recent employers operating comparable operations establishing acceptable previous experience. 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.