Grader/Packer

Temporary position from 10/01/2026 to 04/30/2027.

Responsibilities

• Work on production line to grade and pack product by hand or with mechanized equipment (e.g., bagging machines, bin feeders, box machines, labeling machines, regular and high-stacking forklifts).
• Grade, wash, size, and sort product according to color, shape, size, appearance, feel, and/or quality, following supervisor’s instructions and employer standards.
• Inspect products for damage/defects and discard inferior products and foreign matter.
• Place product in bins/trays/containers according to grade and mark grades on containers.
• Weigh products and record weight and/or grade.
• Prepare product for shipment to market or storage.
• Perform quality control on inbound/outbound loads.
• Follow quality control standards and production procedures; handle product carefully to prevent damage.
• Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies; palletize and stack boxes/containers.
• Move product to storage areas and/or loading areas to prepare for shipping.
• Keep material and product records accurately.
• Operate equipment safely, with or without direction; assist with regular maintenance on equipment.
• Clean and sanitize work station and equipment.
• Perform secondary duties (less than half of workdays) including:
  • Adjust, repair, and service farm machinery.
  • Maintain and repair irrigation systems, farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
  • Perform general winter-related maintenance including snow removal.
  • Spread plastic or other ground covering; clean plastic by hand from ground upon removal.
  • Drive company vehicles (e.g., box trucks, farm trucks with trailers) if licensed and insurable.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 months of verifiable agricultural experience on a Christmas tree farm and/or vegetable farm handling both manual and mechanized tasks.
• Must furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third-party documentation from recent employer(s).
• Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs.
• Must be able to work Saturdays and in extreme temperatures.
• Exposure to extensive pushing/pulling, sitting/walking, stooping/bending, and repetitive movements.
• Sufficient hand and finger dexterity to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Ability to differentiate colors, textures, and other product attributes to distinguish varieties and identify defects.
• Must operate equipment properly to protect operator, others, and employer’s products/property.
• Ability to comprehend and follow instructions; communicate effectively with supervisors.
• Outdoor work required in wet conditions, light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity, and extreme temperatures.
• Prolonged periods of standing/walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending/stooping.
• Must pass a criminal background check (felony convictions, including assault, child molestation, sex, or drug-related offenses, will result in immediate termination).
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect job performance.

Schedule

• Temporary position: 10/01/2026 to 04/30/2027.
• Saturday work required.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including occasional showers, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.

Crops/Commodities: Christmas trees and vegetables (e.g., pumpkins, potatoes, strawberries, sweet corn, grains).