Farmworker, Laborer

Work description

Workers should be able to work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc may affect workers’ ability to perform the job. Workers should be physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations. Workers are exposed to wet weather early in the morning and heat throughout the day while working in the fields. Temperatures may range from 10 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Workers will report to work at the designated time and place as directed by the grower each day. The standard work is 8 hours per day. In peak periods of seasonal demands, employees may be requested but not required to work up to 12 or more hours per day and/or on the Sabbath or Federal holidays depending upon the conditions in the fields, weather, orders, and maturity of the crop. Employees may volunteer to work additional hours when work is available. Workers should expect occasional periods of little or no work because of weather, crop or other conditions beyond the employer’s control. These periods can occur any time throughout the season. All operational specifications can change during the season due to crop or market condition. Workers will be expected to conform to the specific instructions given for each day’s work. A farm manager, supervisor, or a designated employee will provide instructions and general supervision. The grower or supervisor will make daily individual work assignments, team or crew assignments, and determine location of work as the needs of the operation dictates. Workers may be assigned a variety of duties in any given day and different tasks on different days. Person seeking employment as a farm laborer must be available for the entire period requested by the employer and possess 2 months experience hand harvesting produce. Successful applicants will be subject to a trial period of up to 2 days during which their performance of required tasks will be evaluated. If the performance is not acceptable to the employer in its sole discretion the worker will be terminated. All domestic and/or nonresident seasonal workers employed pursuant to this job order who satisfactorily completed the previous crop season may be compensated above the stated hourly wage rate. The decision to pay above the stated prevailing hourly rate will be made by the employer, at his sole discretion, and will be based on factors including the recipient’s performance and tenure. Employer retains the right to discharge an obviously unqualified worker, malingerer, or recalcitrant worker who is physically able but does not demonstrate the willingness to perform the work necessary for the employer to grow a premium product. All terms and conditions in the job order will apply equally to all workers, domestic and foreign, employed under this job order.

View the official U.S. Department of Labor source

Last updated: October 7, 2026