Farmworker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Crops: Bunched greens, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, other organic vegetables.
Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays):
Plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables on an organic vegetable farm. Use hand tools including, but not limited to shovels, hoes, and knives. Plant roots, seeds, and bulbs. Spread ground covering. Clean ground covering by hand from ground upon removal. Till soil. Weed and thin plants. Transplant plants by hand. Stake/tie plants, trellis/prune plants, and set poles and wires for vine plants. Pick, cut, lift, or pull crops. Tie vegetables in bunches. Grade, size, and field pack product. Take care to prevent damaging produce and plants. Must have general knowledge or ability to understand directions to harvest by maturity, size and color of crop.

Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Install and remove levee gates.

Apply certified organic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers, 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 all equipment 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. Workers with prior training, or willing to be trained, may operate farm tractor.

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. Build/repair fences.

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

Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may drive company vehicles. Workers with appropriate licenses may transport other workers to-and-from employer provided housing directly to worksites each day and transporting workers between employer worksites during the workday and possibly carrying equipment/supplies and this may involve the worker(s) operating the vehicles across public roads in order to reach the other farm properties to perform their work. Workers are driving multi-purpose vehicles that have a capacity of less than 13 tons, require a standard driver's license to operate, may be used on or off farm by the workers (e.g., drive to the grocery store, bank, etc. at their discretion). Workers are not required or expected to arrange for the routine pick-up of another worker or groups of workers on a regular schedule at other housing locations or centralized pick-up points.

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. 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. -Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 2 months of agricultural experience working in a vegetable farm handling manual and mechanized task. 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. Tasks involve repetitive standing, walking, bending, stooping, and kneeling. Work in unfavorable conditions such as high temperatures, wet or dry/dusty conditions and general summertime adversity. Must be 18 or older.