Farmworkers

Job description

Plant, cultivate and harvest cotton, corn and peanuts. Most job duties will be performed primarily by hand (approximately 60%). Clean and sanitize bins and worksite area. Load seed into hoppers. Load cotton bales. Pick up and load loose cotton. Shovel peanuts onto conveyor. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions. Operate agricultural equipment, farm vehicles and implements. Workers must operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer’s products and property. Load equipment, supplies/materials, product onto truck/trailer and take to designated location/area. Sweep grain bins. Take and test moisture of grain samples from grain bins and trucks. Work to dry wet grain in bins using aeration fans and dryers. Maintain grain bins. On a smaller scale plant, cultivate and harvest wheat and may assist with harvesting pecans. Maintain work areas and weed fields. Perform ditching, shoveling, hoeing, ground preparation, and other manual tasks. Use hand tools including but not limited to hoes, shovels, shears, clippers, loppers, and saws. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs. Build/repair fences. Wash and clean equipment. Repair and replace parts on equipment. Grease and maintain equipment. Keep employer's premises cleaned and maintained throughout the season. Workers who have a valid driver’s license and doctor’s certificate may drive employer’s vans or other transportation vehicles to transport workers and may be offered additional hours. Assist with Good Agricultural Practices policies. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker’s ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker’s Sabbath or federal holidays. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

Workers should expect occasional periods of little or no work because of weather, crop or other conditions beyond the employer's control. These periods can occur anytime throughout the season. Workers may be assigned a variety of duties in any given day and different tasks on different days.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a two day introductory period, during which the employer will evaluate workers' performance of required tasks. Employer reserves the right to terminate a worker at the conclusion of the introductory period if the worker’s performance fails to satisfy the employer’s reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable. Employer may terminate a worker for lawful job-related reasons, including but not limited to situations in which the worker: (1) Is repeatedly absent or tardy; (2) malingers or otherwise refuses, without cause, to perform the work as directed; (3) commits act(s) of misconduct or repeatedly violates the Work Rules; and/or (4) fails, after completing the two day introductory period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectatio

Special Requirements

Two months of farmwork experience is required. Work outdoors in inclement weather including hot, cold and/or wet conditions. Work requires repetitive movements, frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing/pulling, lifting, carrying and loading 50 lbs., and climbing ladders 12 ft. and grain bins 20 ft. Must be 20 years of age or older. Valid drivers license is required. Hazardous Occupation.