Field Laborer: Strawberries

Job description

Field Worker – Strawberries to perform the following duties:

Strawberries:

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.
Workers will perform duties associated with and directly related to conventional and organic strawberry harvest work, on the farm, including but not limited to:
• picking strawberries in field for machine fresh, machine freezer, machine export, ground freezer, ground export, machine juice, ground juice
• repack strawberry packages that do not pass quality inspections
• planting strawberry bare root plants by hand
• replanting if necessary following first planting pass
• Harvest soil conventional planted strawberries and organic planted strawberries

The harvest will be done by hand placing fruit directly into a carton box, either using a harvest cart, or walking behind a Mercado machine designed to assist strawberry harvesting

Piece rate for soil conventional planted strawberries and soil organic planted strawberries will be as stated in the piece rates by pack type. When yield per acre crops below 250 cartons per acre an increase in the hourly rate may be implemented, but it will return to the starting rate at the beginning of each new season.

• Individuals are required to show up to work on time for each working day
• Unpermitted absences are not allowed
• If any unpermitted absences occur, the employee will be asked to not work for the next three days that work is available

Special Requirements

1 month of experience in harvesting any of the commodities listed. Specific requirements include lifting up to 50-65 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.

Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, and other natural elements. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the period of employment. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.