Nursery Workers - Weed Control
Employer
2432 D Road
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
United States
Job description
Crops/Commodities:
nursery stock, flowers, bedding plants, shrubs.
The goal of the weed control team is to eliminate existing weeds and inhibit the introduction of new weeds within the nursery. The primary task associated with this is to pull any existing weeds in pots with plants for sale, all areas of the nursery where plants for sale are grown, and all outlying areas of the nursery to include but not limited to roads, canals, canal banks, and other common areas such as the office, housing, and lunch areas. Other tasks associated with the inhibition of new weeds would include the repair and maintenance of weed barriers (ground cloth) in the plant growing areas, applying pre- and post-emergent herbicide in growing and common areas of the nursery with backpack sprayers (up to 50 lbs), agreement to utilize all personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary per herbicide labels, understand usage and provide daily inspection of electric or gas powered blowers, consolidation of plants in growing areas so open areas can be cleaned and treated, and elimination of old pots or dead plants from growing areas which serve as weed banks.
Essential duties: Maintain a clean, neat, orderly and safe work area. Ability to read numbers and names and differentiate between plants. Clean pots and plants. Repot/assemble plants in containers as directed by supervisor.
Must understand nursery quality control standards and have working knowledge of production procedures.
Work is to be done for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking.
Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Workers will be working under the direct supervision and management of a certified pesticide applicator in accordance with provisions at 40 CFR Part 170, the federal EPA Worker Protection Standard.
Accordingly, workers will be required to either possess current WPS handler training (must have been trained as a WPS handler within the last 12 months) or demonstrate the ability to be trained to be compliant with handler requirements under the Part. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision. Employer will instruct workers in the safety and operation of equipment before use. Workers must operate equipment in a manner that protects operator, visitors, other workers, products, trees, crops and equipment. Failure to comply with safety requirements and operating instructions may result in termination.
Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear. Must wear proper protective footwear that is closed-toe in nature with a non-slip sole, such as work boots or trail-type shoes. Shorts, bathing suits or other casual clothing not permitted. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.
Employer-paid post-hire drug and alcohol testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use. Workers may not report for work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises, including housing, is prohibited and will be cause for termination.
Tobacco use strictly prohibited on company property except for specifically designated areas. No smoking, vaping or tobacco use of any kind permitted in the fields, company vehicles, worker housing, or on company premises. This is necessary to protect against transmission of toxins and contamination from tobacco by-products. Employer reserves the right to discharge any employee found using any type of tobacco product in unauthorized areas.
Work may also include mechanized work using power equipment.
Special Requirements
This job requires a minimum of three months of prior experience working in a wholesale nursery handling both manual and machine tasks associated with nursery production and harvest activities. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Workers must be able to perform all tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug and alcohol testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use. Workers that live in employer-provided housing must have or agree to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with company policy set forth in the Job Order.