Farm Worker

Job description

Plant, cultivate and harvest rice and soybeans and on a smaller scale corn. Most job duties will be performed primarily by hand (approximately 80%). Detassel corn by walking through fields and pulling tassel off plants as directed. Load seed into hoppers. Install, operate, and maintain levee gates to regulate proper water depth. Rogue fields, sometime while fields are flooded, and remove off-type varieties and other plants using hand tools as directed. Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Install and remove levee gates. 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. Mow, cut, and weed fields. Perform ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, post-harvest activities 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. Clean and maintain fields, work areas and equipment. 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. 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 expectations. Non-U.S. workers may be displaced as a result of one or more U.S. workers becoming available for the job during the employer’s recruitment period. Job abandonment will be deemed to occur after five consecutive workdays of unexcused absences. Workers may not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Special Requirements

Three months of experience operating agricultural equipment is required. Work outdoors in inclement weather conditions. Work requires repetitive movements, frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, stooping, bending and pushing/pulling. Must be 18 years or older.