Agricultural Equipment Operator

Job description

ANTICIPATED DAYS AND HOURS OF WORK PER WEEK-
The hours listed in block A.6 represent the normal work schedule. Due to the nature of seed potatoes, weather, and the requirement to harvest only during a specific soil temperature and soil moisture range, it is the prevailing practice to work substantially more, less, or different hours than those listed, sometimes for extended periods of time. When the number of hours for a week exceeds the number listed in section A.6, the worker may be offered, but not required, to work more hours.

JOB DUTIES -
GENERAL CONDITIONS: Field work begins at assigned time as early as daylight. Work at storage buildings begins about an hour after field work and ends one to two hours later than field work. The worker is regularly exposed to all outdoor weather conditions. The worker may be required to work when it is raining and/or snowing and should have suitable clothing for variable weather conditions. Personal protective equipment is provided as needed such as hearing protection, masks, safety glasses, gloves, reflective vests, etc. and must be worn to eliminate the risks associated with work hazards. Worker will lift or load up to 60 lbs. The Worker may never ride on agricultural equipment not designed for work related riding purposes or any other non-passenger intended equipment unless instructed and authorized by the employer or supervisor to do so. All work-related injuries must be immediately reported to the supervisor, team lead or farm manager. Workers’ compensation claims may be presented to any medical provider through Whole Seed Farm LLC.

Workers may perform the following job duties related to agricultural equipment: Perform routine maintenance and repairs to farm equipment and ensure equipment is in good working condition and adheres to all safety rules. Operate farm equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Maintain equipment including adding fluids and grease, adding fuel, changing propane tanks on forklifts, and adding air to tires. Drive vehicles to haul equipment, supplies, workers, and tools. Job duties do not include overhauling motors or equipment or fabricating equipment.

PREPARATION FOR HARVEST: Weed fields and prepare fields for harvest and harvest equipment including tree removal, clearing, fencing and road preparation. Pressure wash and sanitize storage totes, move totes around with forklift, clean and sanitize storage bins, prepare and sanitize equipment for agriculture potato harvest, set up potato conveyor and piler line at storage, and collect field samples of potatoes as needed. Need to understand the sanitizing steps necessary for seed protection.

POTATO HARVEST JOB DUTIES IN THE FIELD: Operate machinery to dig and windrow potatoes, load potatoes from windrow with harvester, drive field truck alongside harvester, operate equipment to remove excess dirt from potatoes prior to loading potatoes on trucks to be driven to storage buildings, drive trucks between fields and storage buildings, clean and sanitize all equipment between seed lots and fields, hand dig potato samples, and move equipment between fields. Collect potatoes for post-harvest disease testing. Fix fence that may have been broken during harvest. Move all equipment to shop/warehouse and prepare equipment for winter.

Continued in Addendum C.

Special Requirements

Whole Seed Farm LLC requires workers to have a driver's license when operating farm equipment vehicles. Whole Seed Farm LLC will
facilitate H-2A workers getting a driver's license.

All tools, supplies, and equipment required to perform the duties assigned will be provided to the workers without charge or deposit
charge.

Training: There will be a demonstration period to familiarize workers with job specification and to demonstrate proper methods.

Whole Seed Farm LLC guarantees the worker employment of 325.5 work hours which is equal to at least three-fourths of the 62
workdays of the total contract period.

If a worker voluntarily abandons employment before the end of the contract period or terminated for cause, and the employer provides
timely notification to the NPC and DHS which will relieve subsequent transportation and subsistence cost and the 3/4 guarantee.

Continued in Addendum C