Farmworker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Corn.
Corn Detasseling:
Workers will perform assigned duties as instructed by their supervisor. The worker will walk down the rows of corn, between the plants in the corn fields, for the purpose of detasseling seed corn. Workers will detassel female rows of corn by manually pulling up on the corn tassel (removing tassel from corn plant) and ensure the tassel is thrown on the ground. Removing all corn tassels from the female plant is essential as 99.99% of tassels must be removed, and put onto the ground. If workers do NOT meet the 99,99% threshold, they will be asked to return to their corn bed, and complete the row(s) again. Workers will also be required to remove corn rogue plants utilizing a rogueing tool by cutting the corn near the stalk, and placing the corn plant onto the ground between the rows. Workers will weed and volunteer corn plants for seed corn production fields. For accountability and safety purposes, each worker will be assigned a number, and the bed(s) will be numbered for each worker, each day. The supervisors and quality checkers will continuously check each numbered bed for worker safety and quality throughout each work day. The worker in order to perform this kind of work must be able to work outside for at least 6 hours per day in all kinds of weather and be in possession of the requisite strength and endurance, working quickly and skillfully with their hands.

Employer will train workers. Training will include but is not limited to safety training and worker protection training videos. Training includes general discussion of job duties and policies. Training will take place at Orientation prior to working. Employees will be explained and have read to them the Job Order. The employer will answer any questions the workers may have.

Depending on responsibilities performed, registration certificates and licenses held, workers will be paid on an hourly, piece rate or salary basis. Regardless of the method of pay, workers will earn at least the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for all hours worked, and overtime (if applicable) will be paid for workweeks in which nonexempt work and more than forty (40) hours are worked. Overtime will not be paid for workweeks when workers become eligible to perform only exempt work and are paid on a salary basis for all hours worked.

Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours may vary. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements. Worker may never ride on agricultural equipment not designed for work related riding purposes or any other non-passenger intended equipment unless instructed and authorized by the employer or supervisor to do so. NO cell phones, radios, CD players, MP3 players, or other electronic devices with headphones are permitted during work activity and/or while driving company vehicles.

Employer requires all newly-hired employees to take and pass an employer-paid drug test before starting work. Drug test not required for prospective applicants prior to hiring decision.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employer-paid pre-employment and post-hire drug testing required. Criminal background check required.