First-line Supervisors

Job description

The First-Line Supervisor of Agricultural Workers is responsible for the first-line supervision and coordination of agricultural workers engaged in nursery, greenhouse, and field crop production. Under the direction of farm management, the supervisor will assign daily tasks, coordinate work activities, and monitor crop production operations to ensure efficiency and compliance with production requirements. The supervisor will instruct workers on nursery and greenhouse techniques such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting, and will train workers on the proper use of safety measures and the safe operation of farm equipment. The supervisor will guide and demonstrate routine modifications and minor repairs of machinery and equipment, ensure that work schedules established by farm management are followed, and monitor the condition of crops, equipment, and supplies. The supervisor will maintain records of personnel actions and properly utilize the employer’s electronic timekeeping system.

Supervisory Responsibilities: First-line supervisors have no authority to directly hire or discharge workers; however, they may be instructed by farm management to issue warnings or take disciplinary action against workers who do not follow established protocols or work rules. All supervision and direction of field, nursery, and greenhouse activities will be under the guidance of company management.

Job Duties: Workers under the supervisor’s direction will perform various agricultural tasks, including field maintenance, greenhouse and nursery operations, and crop harvesting and maintenance. Duties include pulling weeds, picking up stones and roots, removing reflective tarps from rows, cleaning equipment, removing strings and wire from trellises, and other hand tasks as assigned. Workers may be required to care for young, non-producing fruit trees, including weeding, tree trunk painting, and hand clipping. All work will be performed according to the supervisor’s instructions. Workers must comprehend and follow directions and communicate effectively with supervisors.

Work Rules and Procedures: Unusual, complex, or non-routine activities will be closely supervised. The employer retains full discretion to make work assignments considering weather conditions or other unforeseen interruptions in operations. Workers must perform only the duties assigned by the foreman or crew boss. Workers are not permitted to perform work outside their assigned area or take on duties not included in this job order without authorization. Leaving the assigned work area or the farm without permission will be considered voluntary resignation.

Prior to beginning work, workers will attend an orientation covering workplace rules, company policies, and safety procedures. Workers must follow all safety protocols and instructions from supervisors at all times.

Job Requirements: Workers must be able to perform repetitive movements, engage in extensive walking, and work on their feet while in bent positions for extended periods of time. Workers must be physically capable of performing all required duties with or without reasonable accommodation. The job requires lifting and carrying up to 60 pounds throughout the workday. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, or related chemicals may affect a worker’s ability to perform this job safely.

Working Conditions: Work may be performed outdoors and indoors in nursery and greenhouse environments. Workers may be exposed to varying weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to 105°F. Workers may be required to work in wet or humid conditions, including when trees or crops are wet with dew or rain. Suitable clothing for variable weather conditions is required. Workers may be required to work during light rain not severe enough to stop field operations. Saturday work is required for all workers. Work will be performed for long periods of time and may involve strenuous physical activity.

Special Requirements

The employer may conduct a drug test post-hire at the employers' expense upon reasonable suspicion after a worker has been involved in an accident while working. The job requires a minimum of 6 months of agricultural experience working in a greenhouse overseeing crews handling mechanized and manual tasks. Crew supervisors are responsible for overseeing that farmworkers perform manual tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Employer-paid pre-employment and post-hire drug testing/criminal background check required. Workers must have either a U.S. CDL license with a Class B and Passenger Endorsement or a Mexican/International CDL - Digital Mexican License with A and B Endorsements. Must be eligible to apply for a Farm Labor Contractor Employee certificate within 30 days of hire.