Field Worker
Twenty Eight (28) Positions Available
Location:
Kekaha, HI, Kauai County
Job Duties:
Field workers will perform a variety of routine tasks associated with the seed research program. Tasks will include pollination of corn plants and
harvest of corn ears according to established research protocols. The type of task will be dependent on the stage of the crop and will be
seasonal in nature. Additional field and shade house tasks may include planting, thinning, weeding, tissue sampling, pollination, transplanting,
trans-potting, pot or flat filling, plant tagging, seedling re-array, plant cutting, husk back, harvest, and pest management activities such as
pesticide applications. Additional sample processing tasks including preparation of supplies, sorting, shelling, weighing, counting, preparation for
shipping, and seed packaging. General facility operations tasks include general clean-up, organization of samples and supplies, and other
routine and non-routine tasks as they arise. Field workers may perform additional tasks as requested by the supervisor including the use of
powered tools and machinery such as, but not limited to, mowers, weed whackers, blowers, power washers, choppers, potting machines, bale
shavers and conveyors. Field workers must be able to understand and follow both written and oral instructions. Field workers receive general
instructions on routine tasks and detailed instructions on new tasks with hands-on training and skills verification. Attention to detail is necessary.
Must be able to lift at least 75 lbs. and walk on uneven field surfaces for 8 or more hours per shift. Must have the ability to work with and around
plants and plant pollens. Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions for extended periods. Working safely is a condition of
employment.
GENERAL REQUIRMENTS: Field workers are responsible for safety related matters, including attending mandatory paid safety trainings. Work
may be performed in indoor or outdoor agricultural locations involving exposure to the sun, soil, mud, dust, heat, cold, rain and other natural
elements. Work may be performed on uneven ground and requires constant movement. Workers must be able to stand, walk up and down hills,
sit, stoop, squat, keel, crouch, bend (from the waist), push, pull, reach, lift and carry items weighting up to 75 pounds. Workers must be able to
withstand working in direct sunlight and conditions ranging from hot and humid weather, moderate rain, and cold while performing their required
job duties. Workers should come prepared wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.
Work entails exposure to soil, plants, insects, and materials such as, but not limited to pesticides and fertilizers. Workers may be asked, but not
required, to work up to 10+ hours per day and/or on the Sabbath or Federal Holidays depending upon the conditions in the fields, weather, and
maturity of the crop(s). Workers are reminded to always be respectful, safety minded, be a team player, and good stewards of the environment
and others.
EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE A 10-MINUTE PAID REST PERIOD
Requirements:
Minimum 3 months prior agricultural hand labor experience working with various vegetable
crops. Workers must be able to perform manual activities with accuracy and efficiency. Drug
testing is conducted at employer's expense: post-hire/prior to employment, upon reasonable
suspicion, post-accident and at random or periodically.
Rate of Pay:
$18.74/hour
Agricultural workers earn overtime pay after 48 hours per week at regular pay rate.
Provision of Housing:
Employer agrees to provide or secure housing for the H-2A workers and those workers in corresponding employment who are not reasonably able to return to their residence at the end of the work day. That housing complies with the applicable local, State, and/or Federal standards and is sufficient to house the specified number of workers requested through the clearance system. The employer will provide the housing without charge to the worker. Any charges for rental housing will be paid directly by the employer to the owner or operator of the housing. If public accommodations or public housing are provided to workers, the employer agrees to pay all housing-related charges directly to the housing's management. The employer agrees that charges in the form of deposits for bedding or other similar incidentals related to housing (e.g., utilities) must not be levied upon workers. However, the employer may require workers to reimburse them for damage caused to housing by the individual worker(s) found to have been responsible for damage which is not the result of normal wear and tear related to habitation. When it is the prevailing practice in the area of intended employment and the occupation to provide family housing, the employer agrees to provide family housing at no cost to workers with families who request it. The employer agrees to permit workers residing in employer-furnished housing to invite, or accept at their discretion, guests to their living quarters and/or the common areas or outdoor spaces near such housing during time that is outside of the workers' workday, subject only to reasonable restrictions designed to protect worker safety or prevent interference with other workers' enjoyment of these areas. Because workers' ability to accept guests at their discretion depends on the ability of potential guests to contact and seek an invitation from those workers, restrictions impeding this ability to contact and seek an invitation will be evaluated as restrictions on the workers' ability to accept guests.
Employer-provided housing includes free and convenient kitchen facilities with appropriate equipment, appliances, cooking accessories, and dishwashing facilities for meal preparation. Workers residing in employer-provided housing will be provided free transportation once per week to/from closest town or city for personal errands (e.g., groceries, banking services). Dining, kitchen/cooking facilities and other common areas are shared by all workers. In the event t
