Fern Cutter

Job description

Worker will cut leatherleaf fern in fields. The worker will be required to cut 25 stems per bunch. The worker must separate bunches by approximate sizes. Large leatherleaf fern bunches should have stems between 25 and 28 inches in length. Regular leatherleaf fern bunches should have stems between 22 and 24 inches in length. The worker must look for the best-looking leatherleaf sprays and cut it at the bottom with a fern clipper supplied by the owner. The worker will keep the sprays in one hand until they have 25 good stems of the appropriate size, then they will tie it with a rubber band and keep moving forward looking for more stems to cut. They repeat this process over and over until the leader says it's time to bring in the bunches. The worker will load bunches onto a mobile fern basket for transport to the packing shed. Workers will be provided fern clippers and rubber bands. The worker is responsible for keeping clippers sharp for the best and cleanest cut of each fern stem. When the workers are not cutting ferns, they will be pulling weeds in the same fields. The workers will be paid at the hourly AEWR rate for their time spent pulling weeds.

Fern Cutters get paid for piece work or bunches cut per hour unless they are pulling weeds (see above). The average cutter cuts between 25-40 bunches per hour. Regular Leather Stem (roughly 22-24 inch stems) are 40 cents per 25-stem bunch. Large Leather Stem (roughly 25-28 inch stems) are 45 cents per 25-stem bunch. We offer an assurance guaranteeing that if the workers’ piece rate earnings in a week are less than the AEWR wage rate, we will supplement the workers’ wages to match the AEWR wage rate.

Special Requirements

Training will be provided by the employer on the job. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds. Post-employment drug tests are paid for by employer when applicable.