Puncher

Job description

Participate in the inspection of harvested crops and inform Foreman of crop progress. Record information about harvested crops. Inspect crops to assess quality. The Puncher establishes and follows a packaging review system that ensures harvested product meets company standards in quality and appearance. The Puncher assigns identification stickers to each respective harvester and ensures that all crates placed on the harvest trailer are accurately tracked.

• Inspect crates harvesters bring to them and evaluate the following:
o Appearance: Good packing, full baskets (no bridges).
o May ask harvesters to re-pack crates and pick correct fruit color as needed.

o Crates: Make sure the crate is clean and is the correct type of crate.
o Ensure employee’s sticker is on the crate.
• As time permits, do random inspections of a single basket.
• Use electronic handheld device to scan harvester’s crates once they have passed quality inspection.
• Direct the employees where to stack the crate, for example when sorting by variety.
• Assist crew leader with completion of electronic forms as necessary.
• Report recurring crew problems to Foreman.
• Arrange the trailer in the morning with the required boxes to begin the harvest.
• Operate tractor or truck to move the trailer during the day and return the trailer to the yard at the end of the day.
• Pick up debris and excess material and prepare the trailer for the next day.
• Stack crates on pallet, label and prepare for delivery to cooler.
• Inform the truck driver for variety differences.
• Open boxes of baskets, crates, etc. during the day as required.
• Attend monthly Safety and HR meetings.
• Comply with all mandatory training as required by State and Federal Labor Laws.
• Follow all hygiene and food safety policies and requirements. Prepare Clorox solution for sanitizing work areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Special Requirements

Three (3) months working as Strawberry Puncher. Cannot be color blind due to the need to distinguish colors of crops for proper ripeness and maturity, no smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any sort in the housing or work fields. Ability to communicate in English or Spanish is required for training and safety purposes. Work is performed outdoors in open fields and can involve exposure to sun, wind, mud, dust, heat, cold and other elements of the normal field environment. Temperatures can range from 50 degrees F to over 90 degrees F during the period of employment. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the work and working conditions described.