Farmworkers & Laborers, Crops

Job description

Pull weeds/chop: Workers will walk along rows as specified by employer and remove weeds and grass from fields by hand or using a hoe. Cultivate and hand-harvest harvest sweet potato, squash and pumpkins. Load and unload farm products. May construct trellises, repair fences and farm buildings, or participate in irrigation activities. Workers will perform assigned duties as instructed by their supervisor. May supervise other workers. Perform farm, field and shed sanitation duties. Mow grass and operate trimmer around farm buildings. May operate and perform minor maintenance on farm vehicles or equipment. May drive farm truck, bus, tractor, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the farm. May drive bus or van over the road. Though not a hiring requirement, if a worker drives a company vehicle during the period of employment then at the time of operating the company vehicle the driver must possess a valid drivers license issued by a U.S. state or foreign equivalent and operate the company vehicle in accordance with the license restrictions and vehicle classifications applicable to that license. Prolonged walking, standing, bending, stooping, and reaching. Job is outdoors and continues in all types of weather. Workers may be requested to submit to random drug or alcohol tests at no cost to the worker. Failure to comply with the request or testing positive may result in immediate termination. All testing will occur post-hire and is not a part of the interview process. Negative result may be required post-hire and before commencing work. Must be able to lift 75 lbs. to shoulder height repetitively throughout the workday and able to lift and carry 75 lbs. in field. Must not hinder another workers productivity. Use of personal cell phone or other personal electronic device during working hours strictly prohibited except for work-related calls or emergencies and violation may result in immediate termination. Requires one month verifiable prior work experience in the crop activities listed.

Sweet potatoes: Sweet potato harvest workers will walk along row that has been previously plowed. Workers will stoop, bend and kneel to pick up sweet potatoes using hands and fingers to dig out unexposed potatoes. Workers may grade in the field separating #1s and #2s into separated 5/8 field hampers. Canners, when harvested, will be placed into a separate bin. Damaged or diseased potatoes will not be harvested. Worker will be required to stay on assigned row. Full hampers weighing up 35 lbs. will be carried to truck row to be loaded onto truck or trailer. Workers may be required to ride mechanical harvester. Workers may be required to perform other duties as required by the employer. Hand harvesting sweet potatoes will be paid on a piece rate. Mechanical harvest work, if any, will be paid hourly.

Squash and pumpkins. Workers will perform assigned duties as instructed by their supervisor. Following the supervisors instructions, workers will walk along rows and cut squash and pumpkins for harvest according to size, color, shape and degree of maturity by using a knife. May carry harvested squash and pumpkins to field truck and load onto truck or trailer by hand. May be required to pull and discard culls as directed by supervisor. Workers must take care not to bruise or scar produce. Worker will return to assigned row/area and repeat the process. Worker must pick plants clean of correct size and maturity. Produce may be graded and packed in the field. Produce must be washed thoroughly. May unload and pack harvested squash and pumpkins at on-farm packing shed.

Special Requirements

Prolonged walking, standing, bending, stooping, and reaching. Job is outdoors and continues in all types of weather. Workers may be requested to submit to random drug or alcohol tests at no cost to the worker. Failure to comply with the request or testing positive may result in immediate termination. All testing will occur post-hire and is not a part of the interview process. Negative result may be required post-hire and before commencing work. Must be able to lift 75 lbs. to shoulder height repetitively throughout the workday and able to lift and carry 75 lbs. in field. Must not hinder another workers productivity. Use of personal cell phone or other personal electronic device during working hours strictly prohibited except for work-related calls or emergencies and violation may result in immediate termination. Requires one month verifiable prior work experience in the crop activities listed.