Field Workers: Strawberry Field And Greenhouse Breeding

Job description

*All job duties will be performed in the field and on a farm*

Summary

Field workers will perform the following duties: harvesting, field preparation, planting, runner harvesting, weeding, runner setting and general upkeep. Purpose of the position is to assist in the production of high-quality field and greenhouse-grown strawberry cultivars to the standards and expectations established by the plant breeding operations by conducting activities which promote uniform and consistent plant growth per the programs breeding protocols.
Under the direct supervision of the crew leader/foreman, the duties change with the season; the workers will be assigned to tend to different fields. Frequently, they will work together as a group during times such as fruit harvesting, field preparation, planting, and runner harvesting. Tasks such as weeding, runner setting, and general upkeep will be assigned individually to separate field sections. Under the supervisor of the crew leader/Project Coordinator, the seasonal employees will provide Hands-on support for all typical stations, greenhouse and field activities.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following, and other duties may be assigned
Conduct training for workers involved in key breeding activities.
Breeding and research support
Thorough removal of seedling plant runner and general upkeep of fruiting plant until nursery transition.
Transplanting, harvesting and seed processing of cultivars in the field and greenhouse.
plant packaging, inventory shipment preparation
Station Greenhouse crop and facility duties (6 weeks in April and 4-6 weeks in August for two planting cycles a year)
Prepare planting peat-based potting media in appropriate containers, thinning and transplanting of seedlings
Assistwith the irrigation schedule, and irrigation pipe set up.
Greenhouse cleanup and disposal of plants, containers after project completion
Greenhouse set-up prior to the start of a new cycle
Assist in the application of routine crop protections and fertilizers
Work alongside contract laborers conducting routine operational and breeding activities
Move trays from the greenhouse to the shade house to the field.
Trim runners and removing bloom with clippers

Station Operations Support (Field and Greenhouse)
Help set up equipment and tools associated with key station activities including harvesting, and planting
Required Knowledge and Skills
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following knowledge and skills
Knowledge of routine greenhouse and field growing practices and requirements
Must be able to perform job responsibilities and testing activities accurately and efficiently
Have a good verbal and communication skills
Adaptability ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Ability and willingness to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions. ability to prioritize own work and work of others in the team
Attendance/Punctuality Ensures work responsibilities are covered
Dependability Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner

See Addendum C.

Special Requirements

3 months of agricultural experience. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements include lifting up to 40-50 pounds frequently. Must be able to work under conditions where skin and clothing become heavily soiled with mud, water, grease, etc. Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions, including sun, rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves standing and walking on uneven ground throughout work shift, sitting for long periods of time, and repetitive stooping and bending. No smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.

Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to sun, mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, and other natural elements. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the period of employment. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.

See Addendum C.