field worker

Plant Christmas tree seedlings to the field where trees have died or have been harvested for sale, dig holes for seedlings, pack soil around seedling with planting tool, and ensure protective maintenance of seedling by clearing surrounding vegetation; stomp and press loose soil around tree seedlings planted by the planters to prevent air from going into the ground roots and harm the newly planted seedlings. Prune or shear trees and form them into cone and cylinder shapes by using shear knives and handheld clippers; cut and drag trees weighing 50 – 100 lbs. each to a field staging area, lift trees onto mechanical baler and load baled trees onto truck or trailer; and unload trees at central staging area to be sorted and grouped according to size, quality, and species and prepare them for shipment and sale. Apply fertilizer where necessary to ensure healthy growth; spray trees with pesticides or other treatments to treat pests and diseases; operate, maintain, and repair farm equipment in connection with tree planting, cutting, bailing, and transporting for shipment and sale; perform other related tasks as needed; and walk through the field during work, and carry packs while working in cold and rainy weather in the field. The employer provides worker protection standard (WPS) training.