Agriculture, Forestry & Agricultural Equipment Operator

Descrição do trabalho

All applicants must be able, willing and qualified to perform the work described in the job order and must be available for the entire period of employment specified in Section A.3 & A.4. This work order is for qualified workers to perform agricultural work in a commercial maple sugaring operation. Workers must be willing and able to perform outdoor work in varying seasonal weather conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, and uneven terrain. Due to the seasonal and weather-dependent nature of maple sap production, work schedules may include extended hours during periods of peak sap flow. Workers may use hand tools and agricultural equipment, including precision tree-tapping tools, tractors with loaders and rear-mounted attachments, pickup trucks, and chainsaws, while following established safety procedures. Workers may be asked to operate trucks or other multi-purpose vehicles to transport workers from housing (whether on or off farm) to the farm properties; haul tools, supplies, or crops; transport workers from place to place around the farm properties during the workday (including on public roads to reach farmer's fields); and/or transport workers to the grocery store, bank, or laundry facilities on an as needed basis. Workers that are requested to drive will be required to possess a valid driver’s license; no worker will be rejected for not having a driver's license. Workers who do drive will still perform the same field work and other duties as non-driving workers; driving is not a primary duty. Workers will be compensated at the correct rate of pay for all hours worked, including when they are performing the employer’s obligation of driving. Duties include, but are not limited to, clearing brush; drilling tap holes in maple trees; installing, setting, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, monitoring, replacing, and removing maple spouts and food-grade flexible PVC tubing and pipeline systems up to two inches in diameter; monitoring sap flow and inspecting the sap collection system for proper operation; locating and repairing leaks; evaluating the condition and productivity of sugar maple trees for sap production; pulling taps at the end of the season; cleaning and maintaining equipment; and performing other related agricultural duties as assigned. The work is physically demanding and involves extensive walking over uneven, steep, and forested terrain in snow, ice, mud, and other winter conditions. Duties include prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and other physical activities required in maple production. Workers must be able to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Workers will require to work 8-hour shifts within the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This schedule totals 40 hours per week. The 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. range reflects the seasonal and weather-dependent nature of maple tapping operations, including variability in sap flow and collection conditions. This flexibility ensures workers can complete their required weekly hours while responding to daily production needs. Workers will not be scheduled to work a full 12-hour shift. Workers may offer additional hours beyond the standard schedule, subject to the mutual agreement of the workers and management. Workers will be provided with at least a 30-minute lunch break, staggered between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., as determined by both the workers and management. Workers may choose where to eat their lunch and must return to work after the 30-minute break. In addition, workers will receive a 15-minute break in the morning and a 15-minute break in the afternoon at the supervisor's discretion. The daily and weekly work schedules may vary due to weather conditions, temperature, sap flow, forest conditions, equipment needs, or other factors related to maple production. The employer will notify workers of any changes to the schedule.