Nursery Worker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Sod.
This job requires one month experience working on a sod farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with sod production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all duties of entry level workers as well as perform additional mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Performs any combination of the following tasks: prepares soil and growth medium, hauls and spreads topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, lime and other soil conditions on sod grass and turf areas. Digs, rakes, screens soil. Fills tanks with water, handles irrigation equipment. Sows grass seed and plants plugs of sod; unrolls and places sod; weeds. Operates mowers, chain saws, forklifts and sod cutters. Cuts, rolls and stacks sod weighing up to 75 lbs. Loads, unloads trucks. When work in sod is not available workers may be offered other general agricultural duties associated with sod farming, including building and equipment maintenance, repairing fence and similar tasks.

Work is to be done in the field for long periods of time. Workers may assist in loading of trucks and lifting to a height of 5 plus feet. Rolls of sod may weigh up to 75 pounds plus or minus depending on moisture content. Workers should be able to work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers’ ability to perform the job. Workers are exposed to wet weather early in the morning through the heat of the day, working in fields. Temperatures may range from 10 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Workers should be physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations.

In addition, workers may be required to perform variable tasks relating to sod production such as the following: irrigation, ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, weeding and other tasks related to general farming.

Work may also include mechanized field work using power equipment. By way of example and not limitation power equipment may include tractors, planters, sprayers, cultivators and other equipment. Workers will be expected to be able to operate agricultural equipment with or without direction.

Employer assures that workers will be provided transportation from living quarters to work site every day (for workers who must be provided housing under the applicable regulations.)

The employer may discipline the worker, including brief suspension of work activities (“time out”) for a period determined by the supervisor, suspension from employment for a set period of days or termination of employment as described in the “Work Rules".

Workers may not report for work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Except for moderate alcohol consumption in company housing during non-working hours, the possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on Company property is prohibited and will be cause for termination.

Persons seeking employment as experienced Nursery Worker 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 grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Special Requirements

This job requires one month experience working on a sod farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with sod production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all duties of entry level workers as well as perform additional mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry up to 75 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire random drug testing required.