Farmworkers

Job description

Workers will plant, cultivate, and harvest sugarcane by hand (approximately 90%) or machine (approximately 10%). Operate farm vehicles, equipment, tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery. Work in groups to plant sugarcane while walking behind moving wagon. Remove pre-cut sugarcane stalks from supply trailer and manually place and straighten predetermined numbers of sugarcane stalks into an open furrow at specific intervals/overlaps. Use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers and machetes; shovels will be used to clean dirt from tail drains in wet fields. Till soil and apply fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Load harvested product. Repair fences and farm buildings. Perform general farm maintenance including weed and grass control. Operate, repair, clean and maintain farm vehicles, implements and mechanical equipment. Participate in irrigation activities, such as set up and operate irrigation equipment and clear and maintain irrigation ditches. Load field wagons with sugarcane stalk segments. Pick up dropped sugarcane in fields. Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress. Operate farm vehicles to move sugarcane in the fields. Using the employer's vehicles, licensed drivers may transport workers and may be offered additional hours. Assist in 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. Employer reserves the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but is unwilling to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium quality product, or for any other lawful reason.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker's Sabbath or federal holidays. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a 2 day introductory period, during which the employer will evaluate workers' performance of required tasks. Employer reserves the right to terminate a worker at the conclusion of the 2 day introductory period if the worker's performance fails to satisfy the employer's reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable. Employer may terminate a worker for lawful job-related reasons, including but not limited to situations in which the worker: (1) Is repeatedly absent or tardy; (2) malingers or otherwise refuses, without cause, to perform the work as directed; (3) commits act(s) of misconduct or repeatedly violates the Work Rules; and/or (4) fails, after completing the 2 day introductory period, to perform work in a competent and skillful manner, consistent with the employer's reasonable expectations. Non-U.S. workers may be displaced as a result of one or more U.S. workers becoming available for the job during the employer's recruitment period. Job abandonment will be deemed to occur after five consecutive workdays of unexcused absences. Workers may not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company premises is prohibited and will be cause for immediate termination.

Special Requirements

Three months of farm work experience required. Work outside in extreme temperatures, lift and carry up to 50 lbs and walk and sit for extended periods of time. Must be 18 years or older. Hazardous occupation. Employer is a drug free workplace. Drug testing is conducted post hire, under suspicion, at random and post accident at the employer's expense and is not part of the interview process.