Farm Workers

Job description

Workers will plant, cultivate and harvest sugarcane, rice, soybeans, wheat and sorghum by hand or machine. Operate combine. Use hand tools such as shovels and hoes. In groups, workers will ride, walk, stoop or kneel in planting sugarcane by hand. Transplant and weed crops. Till soil and apply fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Clean grain bins. Tend to and drain rice in fields with shovel, rogue rice fields during flood. Irrigate, load and unload rice for shipment. Haul soybeans to elevator. Construct trellises, repair fences and farm buildings, set up and operate irrigation equipment. Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops. Repair and perform minor maintenance to farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment. Inform farmer or farm managers of crop progress. Identify plants, pests and weeds. Clear and maintain irrigation ditches. Record information about crops, such as yields or costs. Workers who have a valid driver's license and doctor's certificate may drive transportation vehicles to transport workers and may be offered additional hours. Assists 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 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. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises is prohibited and will be cause for immediate termination.

Special Requirements

Three months experience in planting sugarcane required. Perform prolonged bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, walking, sitting, stooping and kneeling. Wade in crawfish ponds which measure approximately 15-24 inches deep. Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Required to work outside in extremely hot, cold, and/or wet weather. Must be 21 or older. Must be skilled in operating chopper harvesters.