Farmworkers/laborers

Job description

Equipment Operator: The worker is responsible for driving and operating agriculture equipment that is involved in the farming process such as tilling, planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops. Responsible for applying all pesticides and fertilizers according to manufacturer’s directions using appropriate handling procedures to ensure personal and environmental safety.
1. Perform regular maintenance and repairs of tractors/equipment.
2. The Worker will operate tractors, motorized platforms, forklifts, hydraulic carriers, mechanical weeders, mowers, weed sprayers, and other mechanized equipment
3. During harvest, the worker will place empty bins in the orchard and will remove full bins using a tractor with a Blueline bin hauler
4. The worker is required to wear and maintain ALL PPE and Safety gear as required by Management, local, state and federal regulations.
5. Wear Seatbelts as required
1. Work together in TEAMS (always two (2) people when hooking and un-hooking implements.
2. Know the Importance of always having the tractor ROP’s (Rollover protective structure) up when the situation allows.
3. Apply pesticides and fertilizers according to consultant’s recommendations and manufacturer’s directions and in proper ratio. Use proper application and disposal procedures.
4. Observe all label warnings and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
5. Exercise proper spill containment and control procedures and report all spills to orchard foreman, manager and owner.
6. When spraying, be aware of the environment that you are operating in:
• Location of crews
• Location of vehicles
• Location of Neighbors crews and employee's
• Wind speed, direction, and drift potential
• Temperature requirements for sprays and heat stress
7. Follow pesticide container recycling procedures.
8. Secure all pesticides and fertilizers appropriately. Observe all storage area warnings.
9. Post warning for proper Re-Entry period according to label

Workers may also:
1. Assist with irrigation projects
2. Assist with new planting projects
3. Operate trucks to carry farm equipment, crops and farmworkers
4. Perform general repair of agricultural equipment.
5. Pack crops into containers.
6. Assist as a Flagger when spraying orchards

The Employer attests that these workers will be properly trained by their supervisor who has a valid Private Applicators license which is the standard pursuant to Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). Furthermore, their supervisor will be available to ensure that workers understand all chemical label, safety instructions, and application instructions pursuant to WSDA.

Special Requirements

*SEE ADDENDUM C
4e) Must be able to lift and/or load 60lbs.
4g) Work may take place when temperatures are below freezing and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
4h) May require extensive pulling and/or pushing of tools, wheelbarrows, fruit containers, etc.
4i) May require worker to sit and/or walk for extensive periods of time
4j) Workers will be required to stoop and/or bend over while performing Equipment Operator duties
4k) There will be repetitive movements while performing most of the farm labor duties, for example operating machinery