Farmworker: Diversified (45-2092.00)

Job description

Crops: Peaches, Apples, Strawberries, Pumpkins, Blackberries, Christmas Trees, Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Squash, Peppers, Kale, Onions, Zucchini, Gourds, Garlic, Cucumbers and Beets.
Worker must possess the physical strength and endurance (ability to continue or last) to repeat the harvest process though out the workday, working quickly and skillfully to perform activities assigned during that activity. Workers must work at a sustained (continuing for an extended period of time without interruption), vigorous pace (quick and steady) and make bona fide efforts (made in earnest intent) to work efficiently (performing or functions in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort) and consistently (same way for a long time) that are reasonable under the climatic and other working conditions, Workers may not leave trash, or other discarded items in work areas or vehicles but must dispose of such items in provided receptacles. Workers must wash hands with soap and water after all bathroom and meal breaks. Allergies to varieties of ragweed, goldenrod, insecticides, related agricultural chemicals, etc., may affect worker’s ability to perform the work described herein.

Workers will plant, cultivate, and harvest crops named in this job order. Workers may be responsible for preparation of field beds, assisting in installation of drip irrigation and black plastic. Workers will thin and prune fruit trees, as needed according to supervisor’s instructions. Workers will train black berry vines to ensure maximum growth.

Blackberries:
Workers will plant, cultivate, and harvest blackberries. Workers will remove weeds from around the plants and from the row middles. Workers will bend and stoop to pick berries according to size, color, shape and degree of maturity and place into field containers. Workers will be expected to pick fully ripe berries, discard any deformed, decayed, or undersized berries according to supervisor’s instructions. Also, workers must carefully remove any undesirable berries from plant that would later cause fungi to attack the plant. Workers may carry 1/2 full container weighing approximately twelve (12) lbs. and empty into field bin or load onto trailer. Workers must not completely fill their 1-gallon bucket full as it will cause bruising to the berries. When 1/2 full, carried to end of rows at designated truck-loading place. Then the buckets of berries will be inspected for quality and loaded for transportation to roadside market. Depending on market demand, workers may also be required to pick berries in cups and/or flats. Blackberries harvested specifically for sale at a roadside stand as fresh market specialty basket containers must be field graded. For berries harvested for sale at roadside stands, extra care must be used to ensure that each blackberry is undamaged and perfect. All berries must be handled carefully to prevent bruises or fingernail cuts. Pickers will take extreme care not to damage the delicate berries. Quality and workmanship is of the utmost importance. Pre-harvest activities for berries may include weeding and transplanting. Workers may be required to perform other tasks maintenance activities in the blackberry operation. Pre-harvest activities for may include staking, tying, transplanting, and pruning.

Special Requirements

Must have three months experience pruning commercial fruit bearing trees. Applicants must be able to furnish affirmative job references from recent employers. Must be physically able to meet and perform all job specifications stated in job order. Must be able to work in the hot humid weather for extended periods of time. Workers are subject to random drug testing at no cost to the employee. All drug testing will occur after the worker begins his or her employment and is not a part of the interview process. Failing or refusing a drug test will result in immediate termination.