Farm Laborer

Job description

The farm work position includes duties associated with the harvesting and packing of cabbage, kale, collards and bok choy. This work can require standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting up to 65 pounds for long periods of time outdoors in all weather conditions. It also includes making important decisions based on size, coloring, and ripeness according to prescribed standards.

This work requires adherence to important food safety and quality standard operating procedures and the ability to work quickly and consistently alongside fellow workers with a positive, professional, team- based attitude and a consideration for the safety and health of fellow workers and of the consumers who will purchase and consume the fresh produce grown, harvested, packed, and shipped from the farm.

Cabbage: Workers will be assigned a row or series of rows and required to select and cut/pick produce according to criteria outlined and demonstrated by managers such as size, coloring, and ripeness. Workers will also be responsible for shovel work and weed pulling to ensure the health of the crops.

They will be responsible for in-field grading and discarding of poor quality, rotting, and/or over-ripened produce. Workers will gently load the good quality produce into containers, taking care to avoid damage or bruising. Workers may drive tractors, trucks and forklifts as Cabbage is field packed and loaded and transported from field in containers weighing 50lbs – 54lbs.

Kale,Collards and Bok Choy: Workers will be assigned a row or series of rows and required to select and pick produce according to criteria outlined and demonstrated by managers such as size, coloring, and ripeness. They will be responsible for in-field grading and discarding of poor quality, rotting, and/or over-ripened produce. Workers will gently load the good quality produce into containers, taking care to avoid damage or bruising. Workers will remove weeds manually either by hand or with a hoe. Kale and greens will be packed in the field 12 bunches to 24 bunches in each box. Boxes need to weigh 24lbs. Workers will cut mature greens using knife as specified by employer. Products will be placed into sacks or boxes and placed on trailer for transport. Workers may grade products removing bad or damaged leaves and repack for shipment. Workers will be required to stay on their assigned row. Workers must take care not to damage surrounding plants during harvest.

Workers may be required to operate farm vehicles and equipment such as trucks, tractors, and forklifts. Workers will be instructed in the safety and operation of the vehicle/equipment before operating. All vehicles should be driven in a manner to protect workers, harvested produce, in-field crops, and equipment. Operators should ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before operating. The use of all necessary PPE and safety equipment including wearing of seatbelt at all times when operating farm equipment is mandatory. Workers may assist with the repair, service, & maintenance of farm equipment including the prep, cleaning, lubrication, assembly, inspection, dismantling of equipment parts.