Farmworker

Work description

Crops/Commodities: cabbage, broccoli, peppers. Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays): Workers will perform assigned duties as instructed by their supervisor. Duties may vary from time to time. Workers will be trained in the proper field and shed sanitation. Workers must follow fields and shed sanitation requirements at all times. Not following these requirements are cause for Discipline and/or Termination: Sweet Corn: Workers will manually harvest and pack sweet corn by hand and machine. Corn harvesting will be performed mule train style in crews on approximately 20 pullers. Workers will be pulling sweet corn off the stalk and tossing into a metal bin on the mule train. Workers will walk behind, in front of, or drive the mule train. Workers must keep up with the mule train as it moves slowly through the field at a speed ranging from ½ mile to one mile per hour. Assemble boxes/crates on the top of the mule train. Packers will pick corn out of the bins and place 48 ears into pre-made crates. Packed crates are then moved to workers who will fold and close the lid of the crates and push them down the conveyor belt system. Loaders will then lift and stack the full crates of corn onto the truck. Count and check the crates as they are loaded onto truck. Maintain daily log of hours and record number of harvested boxes. Corn is harvested in the early morning hours starting before daylight, while temperatures are cooler. This ensures that the sugar content of the corn is higher and provides a better-quality product. A generator powered lighting system is used during early morning hours. Workers will avoid harvesting ears of corn with discolored husks, unacceptable shanks (longer than 6 inches) or visible worn or damaged shanks. Sweet corn must be harvested by pulling down while bending and reaching to select mature ears. Workers must carefully select ears of corn of correct size and maturity and toss into bin. Workers will assist in Good Agricultural Practices polices. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to minimize contact with the plants and thereby reduce the exposure to cuts and scrapes. Gloves are recommended when working with wooden crates. Workers may be requested to submit to random drug or alcohol tests at no cost to the worker. Failure to comply with the request or testing positive may result in immediate termination. All drug testing and background checks will occur during the interview process and will be conducted at the sole cost and discretion of the employer. Workers must be able to lift 70 lbs. to shoulder height repetitively throughout the workday and able to lift and carry 70 lbs. in field. Workers must work at a sustained (continuing for an extended period of time without interruption), vigorous pace (quick and steady) and make bona fide efforts (made in earnest intent) to work efficiently (performing or functions in the best possible manner with the least water of time and effort), and consistently (same way for a long time) that are reasonable under the climatic and other working conditions to ensure they meet the employers established production and quality standard. Farm Equipment Operation During Field Operations: Workers will be required to operate tractors and other farm equipment during field operations as an incidental activity in the production of crops. Before any worker is required to operate any farm equipment, the worker will be instructed in the proper and safe operation of tractor. Workers must notify supervisor of any mechanical issues. Workers will be required to operate tractors according to instructions and in a manner, that protects the operator, other workers, trees, crops and equipment. Repeated failure to obey operating and safety instructions may result in termination. Watermelons: Workers will be expected to select the melons based on the standard disclosed to the worker by the supervisor.