Greenhouse Laborers

Job description

Perform manual labor to transplant vegetable plants, flowers and herbs within an assembly line. Operate equipment, machinery and vehicles. Move, load and unload greenhouse grown plants. Prepare soil and growth media. Water plants. Dig, rake and screen soil and fill cold frames and hot beds to prepare them for planting. Cut and transplant seedlings and cuttings. Clean work areas, sanitize and maintain grounds, greenhouses, and warehouse. Work is very fast-paced during the busy season. Haul and spread fill-sand to maintain greenhouse floors, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels. Maintain and repair sprinkler system in and outside of greenhouse. Feel plants' leaves and note coloring to detect presence of insects or disease. Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality. Maintain and repair nursery buildings. Apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Operate machinery to fertilize, cultivate or spray. Operate tractors, skid steers and forklifts. Tag trays. Work on seedling line. Sit down seed flats and get up seed flats for delivery. Perform nursery sanitation duties including picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms and sweeping floors. Workers who have a valid driver's license and doctor's certificate may drive vehicles to transport workers and may be offered additional hours.

Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker’s ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker’s Sabbath or federal holidays. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

Workers should expect occasional periods of little or no work because of weather, crop or other conditions beyond the employer's control. These periods can occur anytime throughout the season. Workers may be assigned a variety of duties in any given day and different tasks on different days.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a two day introductory period, during which the employer will evaluate workers' performance of required tasks. Employer reserves the right to terminate a worker at the conclusion of the introductory period if the worker’s performance fails to satisfy the employer’s reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable. Employer may terminate a worker for lawful job-related reasons, including but not limited to situations in which the worker: (1) Is repeatedly absent or tardy; (2) malingers or otherwise refuses, without cause, to perform the work as directed; (3) commits act(s) of misconduct or repeatedly violates the Work Rules; and/or (4) fails, after completing the two day introductory period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectations. Non-U.S. workers may be displaced as a result of one or more U.S. workers becoming available for the job during the employer’s recruitment period. Job abandonment will be deemed to occur after five consecutive workdays of unexcused absences. Workers may not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises is prohibited and will be cause for immediate termination.

Special Requirements

Three months of agricultural work experience required. Perform prolonged standing, walking, bending, twisting, pushing and pulling. Repetitively use hand and finger movements. Work in extreme weather conditions. Repetitively lift, carry and load up to 60 lbs. Must be 18 years of age or older. Employer is a drug-free workplace. Drug and alcohol testing may be conducted post-hire at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.