Farm Worker

On behalf of our client, Mark Matthews, we are seeking a candidate for the position of Farm Worker. We are looking for a reliable and hardworking Farm Worker/Helper to assist with daily agricultural tasks on our farm. The Farm Worker will be responsible for a variety of duties related to planting, harvesting, maintaining crops, and caring for animals. The ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic, a love for working outdoors and an eagerness to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Crop Maintenance:
• Soil preparation: Prepare the soil for planting by tilling, fertilizing, and testing pH levels.
• Planting and Seeding: Follow seasonal schedules for planting and sowing crops.
• Irrigation: Implement irrigation methods to ensure crops receive sufficient water, adjusting for weather conditions.
• Weed and Pest Control: Monitor crops for weeds, pests, and diseases. Apply organic herbicides and pesticides as needed.
• Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizers based on soil tests and crop requirements for optimal growth.
• Harvesting: Harvest crops at the right time for maximum yield and quality.
• Post-Harvest Handling: Clean, store, or transport harvested crops as needed to prevent spoilage.
• Animal Care:
• Feeding: Ensure animals are fed a balanced diet based on their age, size, and production goals (milk, eggs, etc).
• Health Monitoring: Monitor animals for signs of illness or injury. Perform regular health checks, and parasite control.
• Breeding and Reproduction: Manage breeding schedules to maintain optimal herd/flock sizes.
• Shelter and Housing: Ensure that animals have clean, safe, and suitable shelter. Maintain proper ventilation, bedding and hygiene.
• Milking or Egg Collection: For dairy cows or poultry, perform necessary tasks related to milk production or egg collection.

Waste Management: Manage manure and other animal waste by composting or utilizing as fertilizer for crops.

• Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance
• Routine Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of farm equipment (tractors, plows, irrigation systems, etc.) to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
• Repairs and Servicing: Schedule maintenance and repairs to prevent breakdowns, including cleaning, oil changes and parts replacement.
• Building and Facility Maintenance: Regularly inspect storage sheds, fencing and irrigation systems. Repair or replace as needed to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Tool and Equipment Storage: Properly store tools and equipment to prevent rust or damage and to keep them organized for easy access.
• Safety and Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with all farm safety protocols and procedures.
• Report any safety hazards or issues to the farm supervisor.
• Adhere to environmental and sustainability practices as directed.
• Record Keeping
• Assist in maintaining accurate records of farm activities, including planting, harvesting, livestock health and maintenance work.
• Track supplies and inventory for tools, feed and other materials.

Benefits include health insurance, pension plan and housing. Previous farm experience would be advantageous.