Shellfish Farm Laborer

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Shellfish (oysters and clams).
This job requires a minimum of 2 months of agricultural experience handling tasks. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience.Shellfish Farm Laborers are responsible for performing manual as well as mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Shellfish Farm Laborers assist with the following tasks related to aquaculture/farming operation: cultivating, growing and harvesting oysters and clams (“shellfish”), through a four-part cultivation process; wash seed shellfish by hand with hose, assist with grading on shaking tables or graders, place juvenile shellfish in floats or cages for deployment in the water; when oysters mature and are ready for harvest, remove shellfish, wash and prepare for sale for pick up or local delivery and redeploy any shellfish not ready for market back in water; assist with cleaning, repairing and maintaining equipment (floats, trays and others). Shellfish Farm Laborers will be expected to perform all of the duties with accuracy and efficiency. Workers will assist with facility/equipment maintenance.

Must exercise independent judgment; may be asked to demonstrate tasks to other workers, but position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

Employer has a strict prohibition on tobacco usage. No smoking or tobacco use of any kind will be permitted in any of the company buildings or near the doors or entrances to any of the company buildings, in worker housing, near combustible engines, such as outboards, pressure washers, pay loaders or by any fuel storage areas, on the barge or in any of the outside work areas. This is necessary to protect against disease, which is transmitted by hands and tools contaminated with tobacco by-products. Smoking is only allowed at lunch break in the designated smoking area outside the eating area. Employer reserves the right to discharge any employee found smoking in non-designated areas.

Workers must be able to work on their feet in bent positions, stoop, reach and kneel for long periods of time. Work is to be done for long periods of time. Workers are exposed to wet weather early in the morning through the heat of the day. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop operations. Must be able to work in excessive humidity and temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Workers should be in good physical health and physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations.

Workers must be able to lift 65 pounds to a height of 5 feet over the course of the work day. Must be able to count to 500.
Work may also include mechanized work using power equipment. By way of example and not limitation power equipment may include pressure washers, hydraulic lifts, pallet jacks, clam/oyster graders, and skid loaders. Workers will be expected to be able to operate equipment with or without direction.

Employer-paid post-hire drug and alcohol testing required upon reasonable suspicion of use.

Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience.Successful applicants will be subject to a trial period of up to five days during which their performance of required tasks will be evaluated. If the performance during the trial period is not acceptable to the employer the worker‘s employment will be terminated.

Employer retains the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but does not demonstrate the willingness to perform the work necessary for the employer to produce a premium quality product.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 2 months of agricultural experience handling tasks. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Shellfish Farm Laborers are responsible for performing manual as well as mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 65 lbs. Employer-paid alcohol testing required upon reasonable suspicion of use.