Farm Laborer

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
cattle, hay.
Perform manual and/or mechanized duties associated with the breeding, care, and raising of livestock on a ranch. Feed and water livestock. Herd livestock to pasture for grazing. Rotate animals between pastures. Herd animals into corral and/or stall. Manually restrain animal. Maintain/repair fences used to contain herd animals.

Perform manual and machine tasks associated with hay crops production, including but not limited to: bushhogging fields; disking; aerating; seeding (using mechanical drills and seeders); fertilizing; weed spraying with spray rig; mowing, tedding, raking, baling, and stacking hay; and operating grain carts.

Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Install and remove levee gates.

Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions.

Mow, cut, and weed fields. Perform ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, and other manual tasks. Bending, stooping and kneeling required. Use hand tools including but not limited to hoes, shovels, shears, clippers, loppers, and saws. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs. Repair fences.

Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours may vary. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements.

Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days following hire. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers.

Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision.

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. 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. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break.

Employer may require worker to work alternating weekends.
TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a five-day trial 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 trial period if the worker's performance fails to satisfy the employer's reasonable expectations, or is otherwise unacceptable.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural experience, preferably working in a hay farm or livestock farm or ranch handling manual tasks including field crop production and harvesting activities associated with production of cattle and hay. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver's license within 30 days of hire.