[A brief ad was sent to several farm journals and newspapers. The ad asked applicants to respond in writing, rather than over the phone. Applicants were instructed to include a self addressed envelope. The Nordmans would stamp the envelope, and enclose (1) this invitational letter, and (2) a self-addressed stamped postcard. The purpose of the letter was to give a realistic job preview, so potential applicants could make a more informed decision as to whether or not to apply. Furthermore, applicants were given an advance schedule of when orientation day and practical tests would be held (more about these items can be found under Chapters 2 and 3), so they can make advanced plans for these. The purpose for the post card, was to gain an idea of how many applicants to count on, for the orientation day.]

Position: Farm management position (to work along with grower). Opportunity for unlimited advancements for energetic person!

Personal Qualities:

• Organizational skills—ability to integrate daily, weekly, and monthly schedules.
• Personable—friendly rapport with employees, but able to hold employees accountable.
• Progressive minded—to envision the direction of the farm operation for the future.
• Observant—question wrongs in overall operation (ear for bad sounding equipment, eye for things out of kilter)
• Ability to make and carry out decisions
• Integrity and honesty
• Ability to set incentives for others to achieve
• Will conduct employee meetings
• Accurate record keeping
• Communication—keep owners and employees informed of wrongs, areas that need improvement.
• Accessibility—encourage employees to come openly with problems. Handle challenges with expediency and integrity.
• Education—take advantage of "training seminars," to build and improve skills.
• Bilingual—knowledge of Spanish helpful, but not mandatory.
• Manage employees.

Farming Knowledge:

• Familiarity with tomatoes, cotton, melons, corn, wheat, alfalfa.
• Irrigation management/scheduling and challenges.
• Proper timing—planting, harvesting, irrigating, etc.
• Basic understanding of fertilization.
• Operate and understand equipment.
• Basic maintenance of machinery.
• Ability to hold and train employees in farm safety.
• Calibration/set up of planters, fertilizers and spray equipment.
• Chemical inventory and reporting.
• Agricultural permits.

Selection Process Schedule: May 26^th, 2000—9:00 AM. Orientation and tour of the farm and written test. ** The written test will give you the opportunity to show us your understanding in the areas of farm knowledge and people communication. (Refreshments will be served after the tour and before the written test.) June 2^nd, 2000—This is an "by invitation only" activity, where applicants will have the opportunity to participate in a practical test. Times will be assigned to each applicant who is invited to participate in the process.

Job Salary, Benefits and Working Conditions:

• Hours: 60-65 hours per week (March through November); 40-45 hours per week (December through February); ** We normally don’t work on Sunday **
• Salary: $33,000.
• Medical benefits: paid for employee, spouse, and children.
• Vacation: 2 weeks paid vacation to start.
• Paid holidays: July 4^th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter
• Pickup—New 2000 GMC supplied on the job (to and from work within Merced area)
• Housing—no housing available on the farm, but we are only 3 miles from Merced.

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Labor Management in Ag
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