Field Workers (sweet Corn Harvest And Forklift)

Job description

Agricultural Equipment Operator (Forklift): 

Operate powered industrial trucks to load and unload product, operate ice injector and bobcat to inject ice into product for cooling. Operate Vacuum Tube(s) for iceless and leaf products. Operate 12 pallet forklift. Move cooled product into the cooler for storage prior to shipment. Load outbound trucks, break down pallets as necessary.  

Duties/Responsibilities:  

Obtain copy of production schedule   

Perform daily equipment checks such as oil levels, malfunctioning equipment, etc.  

Loading and unloading materials and product from field trailers   

Loading ice injector hopper with ice  

Loading ice injector with palletized product for icing  

Restack pallets when necessary  

Transfer cooled product into the cooler for shipment  

Reports any issues to supervisor or higher-level employee    

Sanitize equipment daily, prior to startup  

Performs other related duties as assigned  

Regularly sitting on a powered industrial truck  

Prolonged periods standing and walking  

Frequently lift up to 60 pounds and adjust body position to bend, stoop, stand, walk, turn, pivot and stand for long periods of time  

Manual dexterity as needed to operate a variety of machinery and equipment  

Having good eye-hand-foot coordination  

Ability to work in varying temperatures, depending upon season   

Required Skills/Abilities:   

Good verbal and written communication skills   

Ability to listen, understand, and follow directions  

Follow instructions for operating equipment and keeping records  

Execute assignments in an accurate, timely and safe manner  

Ability to work in a variety of roles  

Maintain a clean and safe work environment  

Forklift certification per OSHA standards  

Sweet Corn Harvest: 

Packaging Assembler: Worker will assemble boxes (19”x 11” x 13”; 19”x 11” 14”; RPCs) and place a sticker on package.  

Picker:  While walking the worker will select and remove desired ears from corn stalks. Ears will be approximately 5-9” in length and placed on harvest platform packing table.  

Packer: Worker will sort if necessary and place 48 ears of corn into packaging. Worker will close package and place on harvesting machine finished product conveyor belt.   

Stacker/Pallet maker:  Worker will lay 40-pound pallet in a row on trailer. Worker will remove cartons from harvest machine finished product conveyor and stack six (6) layers of packages, eight (8) packages per layer. During stacking, the worker will place a 1 1/4“W by 48” L slat in between every two levels of cartons. Worker will then place three (3) nylon straps with buckle around pallet stacks and buckle.   

Tractor Driver/machine operator: Will place pallets and load boxes on platform. Place Vboards and secure load. Transport trailer from the field to the staging area. Machine operator will move machine as necessary for harvesting and relocation.  

Weeding Description - Using a 6” broad bladed knife/tool, worker will insert knife into ground next to base of weed and pull with fingers.  

Repackaging/Dumping: worker will remove product from finished packaging; sort and discard unwanted corn or materials under advice from supervisor and repackage material into new/ different packaging.  

Roadway Opening: In the event of corn lodging, worker will walk in furrow ahead of harvesting equipment and move corn stalks to clear pathway for tractor footprint.

Special Requirements

Minimum Job Qualifications:



1 month of harvest experience with any of the listed commodities. Specific requirements include lifting up to 50 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.