Farm Worker

Job description

Workers will perform a wide range of agricultural labor duties associated with clearing previously forested or overgrown land for conversion to permanent pasture for cattle grazing, as well as ongoing crop production and farm maintenance activities. Duties include cutting, trimming, and removing trees, saplings, brush, and invasive vegetation using hand tools and non-self-propelled tools such as chainsaws, brush cutters, loppers, axes, and hand saws, in conjunction with operating farm machinery and equipment.

Workers will operate agricultural machinery and equipment, including but not limited to tractors, skid steers, loaders, and attached implements (such as mulchers, brush hogs, blades, grapples, planters, cultivators, sprayers, and harvest equipment), to clear land; push, cut, pile, and remove vegetation; loosen or remove stumps and roots; move rocks and debris; and prepare land for pasture establishment and crop production. Workers will perform hand labor alongside machinery operations to collect slash, stack limbs, remove debris, and finish clearing areas not accessible by equipment.

Job duties also include operating tractors and farm equipment to plant, irrigate, fertilize, spray, cultivate, and harvest crops. Workers will load seed into planters; calibrate and adjust equipment as needed; properly mix agricultural chemicals according to label instructions; and load chemicals into sprayers for application to crops and pasture. Workers may change or adjust harvesting equipment components, including combine cutting heads, as required for different crops or field conditions.

Workers will perform rouging and field sanitation activities, including walking fields and using hand tools to remove undesirable plant varieties, volunteer plants, trash, rocks, and other foreign objects to maintain crop quality and protect equipment. Following land clearing, workers will assist with grading, leveling, and smoothing fields using both machinery and hand tools to improve drainage, field conditions, and pasture usability.

Additional duties include clearing fence lines and installing, repairing, and maintaining agricultural fencing and gates for pasture and livestock containment. Workers may dig post holes, set posts, stretch wire, hang gates, and assist with layout of pasture boundaries necessary for grazing operations.

Workers will perform general maintenance, repairs, and clean-up of storage sheds, pivot points, irrigation systems, buildings, and operational areas of the farm. Duties include ensuring work areas are organized, clean, and well maintained. Workers will use hand tools and equipment to repair, clean, maintain, and regularly service farm vehicles, tractors, machinery, and specialized agricultural equipment, including fueling, greasing, oiling, sharpening, washing, and performing routine inspections as directed.

All work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires prolonged walking over uneven terrain, repetitive bending and stooping, lifting and carrying heavy materials, and operating agricultural equipment. Workers must follow all farm safety policies, equipment operation procedures, and chemical-handling requirements and must use required personal protective equipment. There are few typical days and workers may be required to change duties and/or locations often and engage in various general functions. Daily duties may vary depending on crop, weather, and field conditions. The employer reserves the right to increase workers' pay or provide bonuses based on tenure, performance, or other factors that are solely based on the discretion of the employer.

Special Requirements

Job requires having or being able to obtain a drivers license within 30 days of hire. Basic English literacy skills are required. Job will require periods when workers may be exposed to varying weather conditions and extensive pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, stooping, bending, or repetitive movements. Random drug testing and criminal background checks may occur post-hire at the employers expense. These checks may be performed to ensure safe housing and work environments for all workers. Positive drug test results or refusal to comply with testing may result in termination of employment. If the employer discovers a criminal conviction record or status as a registered sex offender that the employer reasonably believes, consistent with current law, will impair the safety and living conditions of other workers, the employer may terminate the worker (foreign and/or domestic) with notification to OFLC and DHS in accordance with 20 CFR 655.122(n).