Farm Laborers

Job description

Farm Laborers to work on Alfalfa and Sod.

Growing, harvesting and installation: Essential duties and responsibilities are Irrigation, fertilization, pulling weeds, applying herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Mowing, vacuuming, harvesting, and cleaning up after harvest to prep fields for regrowth. Harvest stolons and herbs for sales orders and help out harvest when needed in addition to any general labor that needs to be done. May install sod produced on the farm at customer sites.

Agricultural equipment operator (forklift) will move pallets, big rolls and tubes and operate the harvester and stack sod on pallets for certain harvesters. Load up truck and make sure all orders are cut for drivers to deliver next morning. May install sod produced on the farm. Workers may be required to perform work that is incidental to farming the crops listed in the application.

Driver-

1. Driver may drive over the road in passenger vans.
2. Driver will transport workers to and from housing and worksite locations. Driving job duty is not a different job and the drivers perform harvesting job duties when not driving.
3. Driver will be responsible for filling vehicles with fuel and keeping vehicles clean.
4. Driver will be required to complete and process periodic driving reports as required by state laws.
5. Driver will be required to follow all traffic laws and if applicable, vanpool rules.
6. In order to drive, drivers must possess a valid authorized driver’s license
7. Drivers are compensated for these activities.
8. All employees engaged in driving activities (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license on a voluntary basis. The DL is not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL.

The employee is responsible for checking the working condition of equipment such as forklifts, mowers, tractors, harvesters, and any farm implements before they start their day. Mowers need to review their mowers for height of cut sharpness of blades, any leaking hoses, water, oil, fuel and replace any worn blades. Employees are responsible to control water, fertilizer and any insecticide, fungicides or herbicides being applied and to notify workers when and where they are applied and any re-entry period if applicable. The employer will comply with all worker protection standards and re-entry restrictions applicable to pesticides and other chemicals used in the fields. Workers are also required to comply with all applicable worker protection standards and re-entry times. The individual must check and make sure all irrigation and injector pumps are working properly.

Gloves, if needed, will be provided to the workers at no cost. The employer will provide adequate sanitary toilet facilities accessible to workers in the field. These may be portable facilities. When necessary, separate facilities will be provided for men and women.

The employer will provide portable and potable drinking water and paper cups to workers in the field. Adequate first aid supplies shall be provided.

Special Requirements

1 month experience harvesting experience with Alfalfa and Sod. Specific requirements include lifting up to 75 pounds frequently and able to use hand tools, including cutting knives. Must be able to work under conditions where skin and clothing become heavily soiled with mud, water, grease, etc. Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions, including rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves frequent bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.
All employees engaged in driving activities (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a drivers license on a voluntary basis. The driver`s license is not a pre-hire job requirement.

See Addendum C.