Farm Worker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Berries (blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, rasberries) sweet/indian corn, tomatoes, fresh cut flowers, edamame, and asparagus.
Work will include spreading and removing winter covers on plants, placing and monitoring vinegar bug traps, spraying and mowing, trellising berry plants and monitoring new growth for tipping (pruning), thinning plants, training of plants/canes/vines, picking berries according to employer’s quality standards, grading, sortingand packing(in the field) of berries, transporting harvested berries, watering and fertilizing, weeding and working with drip line irrigation systems. Work will also include cultivating and harvesting sweet corn and tomatoes. Work will include planting strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.

Work may include mechanized field work using power equipment. By way of example and not limitation power equipment may include tractors, sprayers, mowers, weedeaters and other equipment. Workers will be expected to be able to operate agricultural equipment with or without direction.

Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may drive company vehicles. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may transport other workers.

Work is to be done in the field for long periods of time. Workers are expected to perform duties including boxing, weighing and loading of product. Workers will assist in loading trucks with product weighing up to and including 60 pounds and lifting to a height of 5 feet for long periods of time. Workers should be able to work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers’ ability to perform the job. Workers are exposed to wet weather early in the morning through the heat of the day, working in fields. Temperatures may range from 10 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations.

Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear. Shorts, bathing suits or other casual clothing not permitted. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

In addition, workers may be required to perform variable tasks such as the following: irrigation, ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, weeding and other tasks related to general farming. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs. Build/repair fences.

Employees who do not produce a sufficient number of piece rate units to earn the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for all hours worked during a pay period will instead be paid on an hourly basis at the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for the pay period. Workers paid on hourly piece rate basis who fail to perform their duties in a timely and proficient manner will be provided up to three warnings and will be coached/instructed regarding how to work faster and more efficiently. Upon issuance of the third warning the employee may be terminated.

Persons seeking employment as experienced Farm Worker must be available for the entire period requested by the employer.

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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. 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.

TERMINATION.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of three months of agricultural employment experience, preferably on a fruit/vegetable farm. Workers will be expected to perform manual jobs as well as equipment operation with accuracy and efficiency beginning with planting through harvest. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs.