Farmworker/laborer

Job description

SEED ROOM: Worker will remove trays from shipping pallet. Worker will de-stack trays and organize for use with mechanized seeding equipment. Worker will feed trays into seeding equipment. Worker will remove trays from seeding equipment. Worker will tag each tray with an ID tag provided by Supervisor. Worker will double check seeded trays from seeding equipment and manually fix errors. Worker will stack trays and load trays into germination box. Worker may be required to hand seed trays as directed by Supervisor.

Pay will be hourly.

TRAY LOADING: Worker will load and unload trays from the germination room to the greenhouse and from the greenhouse to the shipping containers. Worker will organize trays by varieties. Worker may build cardboard boxes and place on pallets for shipping. Worker may carry out tasks to recycle used trays received back to greenhouse.

Pay will be hourly.

FARM EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Worker may be required to operate a tractor/forklift/golf cart/off-road truck for tasks that include cultivating, transporting trays, pulling, pushing, moving irrigation lines, loading and unloading of product, and moving other equipment around worksite. Worker may transport trailers around worksite and move trailers throughout work area/loading area. Employer will provide additional training for this task.

Pay will be hourly.

WATERING/IRRIGATION/FERTIGATION: Worker will be required to check and maintain all working components of irrigation system which include irrigation lines, headers, mainlines, valves, any other irrigation equipment. Worker will fix leaks as directed by Supervisor. Worker may be required to monitor irrigation on daily basis and report any problems to Supervisor. Daily, workers will inspect the condition of plants in the greenhouse and will water plants as instructed and as needed. Worker will fertilize plants by using irrigation system per Supervisor instruction. Worker must report any plant disease or greenhouse irregularities to Supervisor.

PEST MANAGEMENT-IPM (scouting, weeding, pesticide application): Worker may be required to scout, weed, and apply pesticides implementing an IPM system after receiving WPS training and under the supervision of a licensed and certified pesticide applicator. Worker will be required to maintain individually assigned safety equipment and report any equipment failures or needs for replacement.

Pay will be hourly.

GREENHOUSE MAINTENANCE: Worker may be required to repair/replace greenhouse roof coverings by using a ladder up to [ ] feet, and working from a platform to handle the plastic covering. Worker may assist Supervisor with removing or installing greenhouse heating components. Worker will level bench system using leveling equipment. Worker will clean/organize greenhouse and warehouse by sweeping and putting materials in proper place as directed by Supervisor.

Pay will be hourly.

FARM EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE: Worker may be required to assist with basic maintenance of farm equipment including trailers, carts, golf carts, tractors, forklifts, trucks, and seeding equipment. Worker may use a pressure washer to clean farm equipment. Worker must report equipment problems to Supervisor. Workers may be required to repair shipping containers by replacing wooden sides and shelves.

Pay will be hourly.

FIELD MAINTENANCE: Worker may pick up and unload stones, rocks, sticks and garbage around work areas. Worker will sweep and perform general clean up tasks in and around Employer property, including landscaping, cutting grass/mowing of farm buildings and greenhouse.

Pay will be hourly.

DRIVING: If worker is eligible to drive under Michigan law, Employer may require worker to drive in Employer-provided vehicle to other locations within 30 miles as directed.

Special Requirements

Drug testing not utilized as pre-employment tool. See work rule #8 for more information regarding post-employment drug testing.
Job requires worker to complete tasks in general greenhouse labor: planting, transplanting, seeding, plant growing, and general maintenance. 3 verifiable months of commercial agriculture experience required. Applicants must furnish job references from recent employers within the past 3 years establishing acceptable prior experience.