What to Expect

1. Recruit a team.
2. Take steps to insure the safety and well being of the crew.
   This is a top priority for Pioneer.
3. Train and supervise crew members. The more organized the
   crew is, the faster the field will be completed to Pioneer
   standards.
4. Detassel all agreed upon acres to Pioneer standards, which
   usually requires a few passes through each field.
5. Keep records for yourself and each member of the crew.

We'll provide some help, of course. You'll work with a Pioneer representative who will assign the fields to you and your crew. We will also provide support for recruiting, training, and safety (brochures, bookmarks, posters, presentations, flipcharts, and handbooks are examples). We have a lot of materials available to help you develop a well-trained and safe crew.

We will also handle all of the payroll, taxes, withholding, Social Security, and W-4 issues for you. Additionally, we'll provide you with the appropriate forms and give guidance on how to handle all of the paperwork efficiently.

Being a crew leader is like owning your own business, but you'll have the support and name recognition of an international leader in agri-business. We can help you determine what size crew you'll need and how to best provide training. As a crew leader, you can count on our support to help you be successful.

In the spring, recruiting efforts begin in earnest. Expect to host many recruiting and informational meetings. Leaders use training materials available from Pioneer so a consistent message is given to all workers.

Former detasselers who did a good job are often excellent candidates for supervisors, because they have a good understanding of the requirements and can help keep detasselers on task and enforce important safety rules. Another tip is to think about incentives - bonus plans have been shown to help workers stay with a job that is hard to do.

In early summer, you'll continue to recruit workers and confirm with those that have already committed to work. There will be a lot of communication with the workers and their parents, because you'll be finalizing details and completing paperwork. If you are taking advantage of transportation options through Pioneer, this is the time of year to coordinate that.

We'll provide you with all of the forms you'll need to collect employment information for those you are recruiting, and you will be returning all of that to us. We'll take care of getting everyone paid, so that frees up your time to concentrate on getting the job done, and getting it done safely!

In the summer, detasseling will start in late June or early July. Your main focus will be on leading a safe and efficient crew. Recruiting efforts may also continue, as the job is tough and some detasselers won't finish the season.

Safety is a top priority for us. You'll need to take the proper steps to insure crew safety during the season. This is best achieved through adequate supervision, training, providing plenty of water and breaks, and being there for your crew. Working along side them at all times is also one of the best way to provide a safe environment!