Farm Workers

Job description

Perform manual labor primarily to transplant, cut, bundle and pack greens; ice & put box lids on greens in shed; transplant, cultivate, harvest and pack jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, bunching onions, mini watermelon, and herbs including cilantro; hand harvest and pack sweet corn in shed; plant and cultivate pecan and citrus trees. Use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, pruning hooks, shears and knives. Work in groups to harvest crops with agricultural equipment that is moving through the field along with workers while being careful not to damage harvested product. Determine maturity level of greens quickly and consistently by color, feel and size and apply correct defect tolerance, handling and harvest standards as instructed by supervisor. Make sure that plants are picked clean of all produce of correct size and maturity according to supervisor's instructions being careful not to bruise or damage produce. Lay and pull plastic. Duties include staking, stringing, tilling soil, weeding, thinning and pruning crops, and counting and checking. Make boxes, load and unload produce. Workers will plant citrus trees and pecan trees. Workers will cultivate, graft and harvest citrus and pecans by hand and machine. Workers will prepare land to plant new trees. This will/could include tilling the soil, and preforming soil test to ensure the survival of the trees. Make sure the land is clear of stones, sticks, roots, etc. This will include working for hours in a bent or stooped position. When planting a tree, pay close attention to the supervisor's instructions to ensure the survival of the tree. Dig the hole by hand to the desired depth, place the tree and cover with remaining soil. Workers will use ladders and lifts in the orchard. Workers will use pick axes and shovels to make new irrigation ditches in the field. Remove old and unproductive fruit trees. Take care to not damage or destroy any other trees or property in the area. Perform general orchard clean up. Rake debris from the land such as sticks, straw, etc. Hoe trees, girdle, spread fertilizer, pick up roots and limbs, strip suckers or unwanted growth from trees, dig roots suckers, knock fruit off trees, use hand sprayer, remove vines, lay irrigation pipe, repair and maintain drip system, and strap and tie fruit trees. Instruction will be given for each task and specifications regarding performance will be communicated to workers. The specifications for a job will be disclosed and demonstrated by the supervisor before the work begins. Workers will cut and drag broken limbs from field and mow; workers will remove any vines, suckers, shoots or debris that may deter the function or growth of trees. Workers will remove unwanted weeds by hand in orchard. Workers will clean, pack and load harvested products. Repair fences and farm buildings. Participate in irrigation activities including setting up and operating irrigation equipment and clearing and maintaining irrigation ditches. 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 maintain farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment. Apply fertilizers to crops. Inform managers of crop progress. Workers are responsible for farm, field and shed sanitation including picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping floors and other farm and shed sanitation duties. Workers with a valid license and doctor's certificate may transport other workers and 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.

Special Requirements

One month of verifiable experience cutting greens required. Requires repetitive walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs. Work in inclement weather conditions including extreme heat,
humidity, cold and/or rain. Must be 18 or older. Employer is a drug-free workplace. Drug testing may be conducted post-hire at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.