Farmworker; Christmas Tree

Job description

Workers will perform various duties on a Christmas Tree farm which may include cultivating color tinting, baling, hauling, loading and harvesting Christmas evergreen trees on a Christmas-tree farm. Removes brush, ferns, and other growth from planting area using hand tools such as mattock, brush hook, hoe, axe sling blade. Will hand plant seedlings, using mattock or dibble. May scatter fertilizer pellets over planted area by hand. May spray herbicides or pesticides. Shears tops and limb tips from trees, as specified by supervisor to control growth, increase limb density, and improve shape.

Harvesting Christmas evergreen trees on a Christmas tree farm. Selects Christmas trees for cutting according to markings or size, species, and grade as directed by the grower or supervisor. Will cut trees using chain saw or axe as directed by grower or supervisor. Will drag trees that range in weight from 50 to 100 lbs. from cutting area to field loading area and lift onto mechanical tree bailer to be bailed. Trees weighting 100 lbs. will be moved in teams of 2 or more. Will load trees onto field trucks or trailers for transport to a central staging area where trees will be unloaded, sorted and grouped according to size, species and quality specifications as directed by the grower or supervisor. May drive trucks or tractors on an incidental basis, as is the norm in the industry, in and around the field or from the field to central loading areas. Workers will load Christmas trees into box trailers for shipment to market according to supervisor’s instructions. Workers must exercise care not to break or damage limbs of trees when working around and handling trees. Work is physically challenging and will be performed in steep mountainous terrain in varying weather that includes, but is not limited to cold, rain, snow, and sleet.

GENERAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CROPS: Fieldwork begins at assigned time shortly after daylight. Work is considered heavy labor. Work is performed during snow, cold, and in damp weather with temperatures ranging from 85+ degrees to 20 degrees F. Workers will work on their feet in bent position for long periods of time. Employer will provide all safety and special equipment when needed. Employees must be able to frequently lift trees. Workers should be able to lift trees ranging in weight 50 pounds, and occasionally lift trees weighing up to 100 pounds. Workers will supply their own work clothes. All the tasks in this Job Description constitute one (1) job; the employer may assign workers to different tasks on any day or to multiple tasks during the same day in the sole judgment of the employer. Workers may be required to perform work, on the farm, that is incidental to farming the crops listed in the application, such as performing hand cultivation tasks, unloading trees from trucks, shaking trees, and manipulating evergreen brush, weeding or hoeing, cleaning and repairing farm buildings, grounds, set up and move irrigation pipes and equipment, gardening, weeding and shrubbing, etc. This is a very demanding and competitive business in which quality specifications must be rigorously adhered to.

Instructions and general supervision will be provided by the farm owner/supervisor or a designated employee. However, field workers will be expected to perform their duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision.

The employer retains the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able to but does not demonstrate the willingness to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product.

During certain duties, workers may be required to work in teams to accomplish a certain task. When engaged in teamwork activities workers must coordinate with other members of the team to accomplish the task.

Special Requirements

Workers must have at least 3 months verifiable experience as a farmworker, or have completed 1 previous production season, on a Christmas tree farm. Must be physically able to meet and perform all job specifications stated in job order. Must be able to work in the hot humid weather for extended periods of time. Workers are subject to random drug testing at no cost to the employee. All drug testing will occur after the worker begins his or her employment and is not a part of the interview process. Failing or refusing a drug test will result in immediate termination.