Farm Workers

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Blueberries.
Primarily hand harvest blueberries as directed. Prune, trim, and maintain blueberry crop. Spread and remove ground covers. Place and monitor bug traps. Trellis berry plants. Train berry canes. Monitor growth for tipping/pruning. Load and move harvested berries to designated area. May plant blueberry bushes. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Apply fertilizers, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions. Install, operate, and maintain levee gates to regulate proper water depth. Mow, cut, and weed fields. Prepare and/or clear land for planting by removing trash, rocks, or other debris or material that may interfere with planting or harvesting activities. Level land by moving dirt and other materials. May assist with general farm maintenance or repairs. Lift, carry, and load/unload product or materials/supplies. Clean and maintain work areas, vehicles, fences, farm buildings and equipment. May operate, repair and maintain farm vehicles and equipment. 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 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break.

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

Three months of farm work experience working with blueberries. Work outdoors in inclement weather conditions. Work requires repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, frequent standing, walking, stooping/bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, climbing ladders or work on lifts up to 14 ft. and lifting, carrying and loading up to 65 lbs. Must be 18 years or older. Drug testing is conducted post-hire at the employers expense and is not part of the interview process.