Tree Production Laborer

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Trees/Field-Grown Woody Ornamental Plants.
Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays):
Perform manual and mechanized tasks associated with the outdoor field production of field grown trees and shrubs. Plant, cultivate, and maintain field grown trees and shrubs. Prepare fields/soil for planting. Remove cull stock, debris, tree stumps, brush, ferns, vines and other growth from planting area using hand tools or mechanized equipment (rakes, shovels, hoes, tractors, mattocks, brush hooks and/or axes). Plant/pot seedlings or ‘liners' by hand or mechanical planter. Propagate plants from cuttings. Prepare trees for digging by tying or wrapping as necessary. Hand dig trees and other plants with shovel or tree spade.

Perform general tree maintenance. Irrigate and apply fertilizer to trees, or other chemicals. Train, prune, trim, shear, space, transplant and cull trees to ensure availability of marketable products. Shear trees with proper taper and bud cut angle for quality. Tie/position treesby tying or wrapping as necessary. Count, inventory, and grade trees. Select trees for cutting according to grade. Cut trees using axe or chainsaw. Drag cut trees from cutting area. Bale trees using tree baler. Wrap burlap or other covering around root balls and secure with twice and/or stapes. Pack, label, tag, pull, sort, and store trees. Clean/maintain work area.

Install/maintain and repair irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain drainage ditches.

Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers to trees, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions.

Workers must operate tractors properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer's products and property. Failure to comply with safety requirements and operating instructions may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

Mow, cut, and weed fields. Perform ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, and other manual tasks. Bending, stooping and kneeling required. Use hand tools including but not limited to hoes, shovels, shears, clippers, loppers, and saws. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs.

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 of 75lbs.

Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required after a worker has an accident at work.

Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision.

The vehicles provided to workers (van, SUVs, pick-up truck, etc.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of three months of prior agricultural experience working in a nursery. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Workers must be able to perform all duties of entry level workers as well as perform additional mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 75 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing required.