Field Worker

Job description

Field Workers to perform the following duties:

Harvesting Organic spring mix, kale, baby leaf, organic kale full size, organic bunch kale, spinach, arugula, chard, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and beets is cut by harvest machine. Harvest machine up loads product via conveyor belt and with assistance from workers product is loaded and hand compacted into totes. Full totes are off loaded from conveyor belt onto trailer (of the same height) and placed on a pallet to be loaded into reefer trailers for shipment. This process is repeated. Worker is responsible for cleaning of equipment and cleaning work area.

Harvesting Organic Bunch Parsley, Organic Bunch Cilantro, and Organic Bunch Spinach is bunched, cut, twist tied, and packed in the field. Worker is on their knees, collect enough product in hand to make a bunch, using a harvesting hand knife makes a straight cut right at ground level, then applies a twist tie to each bunch. Bunches are picked up and placed in cartons periodically. This process is repeated. Worker is responsible for cleaning of equipment and cleaning work area.

Machine set up includes: Check machine for fluids, inspect machine to make sure it’s clean and in worker order; Put sticker on bags and cartons; Supply cartons for the day and put on the machine; Open or close machine; Put machine where crew will start; Move trailer. Drive tractor. Operate the machine.

Agriculture Field Irrigation: Move sprinkler irrigation pipe, set up fields for irrigation, lay drip tape, pick up pipe on to trailers, weld drip tape, stack irrigation pipe, check and unplug sprinklers.

Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties. Such work will be temporary and unsubstantial agricultural labor.

Van Driver Specifications:

1. Employee may drive van on the farm, on a dirt road.
2. Employee may pick up workers from the housing site and take them to the work site and at the end of the day takes them back to the housing site. Workers can also walk to the ranch from housing, but a van is available if needed.
3. In order to drive a van, Employees must possess valid driver’s license (state issued) and must be able to pass Class B Physical exam and register as an FLCE driver. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the California Driver’s License, Class B Physical Exam, and registration as an FLCE driver (if any).

All employees in this position (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license (DL) and register as an FLCE driver on a voluntary basis. The DL and FLCE Certificate are not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL 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 or FLCE Certificate.

Van drivers may be H-2A or corresponding domestic workers. The employer assures that employees who drive the Vans are compensated for their time driving. Van drivers perform MSPA and related paperwork (i.e., logging) as required by law which they are compensated for. The Van driving job duty is not a different job and the drivers perform harvesting job duties when not driving. Drivers are also responsible, during the workday, for filling the vehicle with gasoline and keeping it clean. The employer assures that drivers are paid the AEWR for actual driving time, processing Vans paperwork, trips to the gas station, and cleaning the vehicle.

Special Requirements

Minimum Job Qualifications:

1 month of harvest experience in any of the listed commodities. Specific requirements include lifting up to 50 pounds frequently and 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.