Driver/ Field Worker (wine Grapes)

Job description

Field Worker (Wine Grapes):

Duties vary depending on the growing season:
Work in grape vineyards during growing season (January 2024 through March, 2024) will include hoeing (long handled hoe) and pruning.
Work in grape vineyards during growing season (approximately mid-March 2024 through May 2024) will include weed removal and vine suckering.
Work in grape vineyards during growing season (approximately June 2024 through July 2024) will include leaf removal.
Work in grape vineyards on non-harvest activities (approximately August 2024 through mid-September 2024) will include early season crop removal, move wires, picking, root picking, irrigation, field maintenance, canopy management, shoveling, stake removal and replacement.
Work in grape vineyards during harvest season (approximately mid-September 2024 through the end of November 2024) will include picking wine grapes and activities directly related to wine grape picking.
Non-harvest related activities continue during harvest time of the year but are not directly related to wine grape picking and include fence repair, trellis repair, post removal and replacement, drainage, field gutters, plant new vineyard including digging, raking, clean up and post pounding.
Harvest activities include using sharp picking knives, standing, and kneeling on ground to pick fruit.
Van Driver:
1. Driver may drive over the road in passenger vans.
2. Driver will drive designated vans to transport harvest crew workers to and from housing and worksite locations. Driving job duty is not a different job and the drivers perform harvesting job duties when not driving.
3. Driver will be responsible for filling van with fuel and keeping vehicle clean.
4. Driver will be required to complete and process periodic driving reports as required by state laws.
5. Driver will be required to follow all traffic laws and if applicable, vanpool rules.
6. In order to drive, drivers must possess a valid authorized driver’s license and must be able to pass DOT (Department of Transportation) recognized medical exam and fulfill all other DOT requirements.
7. CalVans performs the medical exam at no cost to the employee or employer. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the registration as an FLCE driver (if any).
8. Direct and monitor the work of other farmworkers by taking attendance and timekeeping and making sure seat belts are worn. Will also be responsible to driving to stores and banks.

Drivers are compensated for these activities.
All employees engaged in driving activities (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license or commercial driver’s license (DL or CDL) on a voluntary basis. The DL/CDL is not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL/CDL or FLCE Certificate at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL/CDL or FLCE certificate.

Tractor Driver:
Tractor drivers will drive and control tractors in fields.

Special Requirements

Minimum Job Qualifications:

3 months of experience working with wine grapes is required. Specific requirements include lifting up to 50 pounds frequently and being able to use hand tools, including cutting knives. Must be able to work under conditions where skin and clothing become heavily soiled with mud, water, grease, etc. Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions, including rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves frequent bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.