Farmworker: Diversified (45-2092.00)

Job description

Sweet Corn: Workers will manually harvest and pack sweet corn by hand and machine. Corn harvesting will be performed mule train and corn belt style in crews on approximately 20 pullers. Workers will be pulling sweet corn off the stalk and tossing it into a metal bin on the mule train or corn belt. Workers will walk behind, in front of, or drive the mule train or corn belt. Workers must keep up with the mule train/corn belt as it moves slowly through the field at a speed ranging from ½ mile to one mile per hour. Assemble boxes/crates on the top of the mule train. Packers will pick corn out of the bins and place 48 ears into pre-made crates. Packed crates are then moved to workers who will fold and close the lid of the crates and push them down the conveyor belt system. Loaders will then lift and stack the full crates of corn onto the truck. Timekeepers will count and check the crates as they are loaded onto the truck and maintain daily log of hours and record the number of harvested boxes. Corn is harvested in the early morning hours starting before daylight, while temperatures are cooler. This ensures that the sugar content of the corn is higher and provides a better-quality product. A generator powered lighting system is used during early morning hours. Workers will avoid harvesting ears of corn with discolored husks, unacceptable shanks (longer than 6 inches) or visible worn or damaged shanks. Sweet corn must be harvested by pulling down while bending and reaching to select mature ears. Workers must carefully select ears of corn of correct size and maturity and toss into bin. Workers will assist in Good Agricultural Practices policies. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to minimize contact with plants and thereby reduce exposure to cuts and scrapes. Gloves are recommended when working with wooden crates. Workers may be requested to submit to random drug or alcohol tests at no cost to the worker. Failure to comply with the request or testing positive may result in immediate termination. All drug testing will occur post-hire and will be conducted at the sole cost and discretion of the employer.

Farm Equipment Operation During Field Operations: Some workers will be required to operate tractors and other farm equipment during field operations as an incidental activity in the production of crops. Before any worker is required to operate any farm equipment, the worker will be instructed in the proper and safe operation of tractor. Workers must notify supervisors of any mechanical issues. Some workers will be required to operate tractors according to instructions and in a manner that protects the operator, other workers, trees, crops, and equipment. Repeated failures to obey operating and safety instructions may result in termination.

Before moving their assigned tractor in the far, the operator will complete a pre-trip inspection of the tractor, including adding engine fluid, changing the oil, checking brakes and tires, and cleaning filters. The sweet corn crop is handpicked and deposited into the field cart that is moved by the tractor to a location within the growing field for loading. The operator is not hauling off the farm. They are moving carts by tractor to a location for loading. At the end of the shift, the tractor driver will make sure that the tractor is clean and ready for the next worker.

Harvest workers using hand tools or machinery will operate, repair, and maintain farm vehicles, machinery, and equipment. Prepare fields for planting including plowing or harrowing fields. Produce may be harvested and field packed.

Special Requirements:
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.

Special Requirements

All workers must have at least 3 month experience as a farmworker. 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 post hire and random drug testing at no cost to the employee. Failing or refusing a drug test will result in immediate termination.