Farmworker/laborer

Job description

APPLE HAND HARVEST: Worker will be assigned a row, occasionally with a partner or team, and is responsible for picking all the specified fruit from that row, or half row as directed by supervisor. Fruit is selected from the tree according to size and/or color standard set by the picking supervisor. Worker will pick fruit by gently grasping fruit with the hands and removing from the tree in a motion so as not to harm adjacent buds on the tree branches. Some varieties require the use of a stem clipping tool. Worker will check the entire tree to ensure removal of all fruit meeting picking requirements. Worker's sill place fruit gently in the picking container until container is full. The full picking container weighing up to 60 lbs. is then gently emptied into a field bin, taking care not to spill or bruise the fruit in the container or in the field bin. Workers are required to stay in their assigned row unless directed by supervisor to change rows or assist another worker with their row.. Picking units will be kept free of limbs, leaves or mushy fruit.

Workers must keep the work area clean and safe by removing dropped fruit from bin area to avoid slips and falls when emptying the bucket into the bin. Supervisors will explain and demonstrate picking requirements to all workers as needed at the start of the season and thereafter to ensure quality standards.

Workers must take when picking so as not to damage or bruise fruit, Workers is required to ck and dump fruit without stem pulls, punctures, bruising or other damage which diminishes quality. Observation of bruised, damaged or cull fruit by the supervisor, or as indicated on the pick quality report will result in progressive disciplinary action, described in attached work rules. Field sorting may be required during harvesting in certain apple blocks due to large frost damage.

In some instances, harvesting will be done from a picking platform or an 18-foot ladder weighing up to 50 lbs. All workers must be able to lift and carry the ladder, as well as work from the top of the ladder. When workers use ladders for harvesting, workers will be required to pick up and return ladders to the wagon provided by employer at the end of each workday or as directed by employer or supervisor. Worker will complete harvest preparation including spreading liners in bins and rolling bins into blocks by hand.
Pay will be individual or team-based piece rate.

PEACH HAND HARVEST: Worker hand harvests peaches to quality standards. Worker will use harvesting basket and pick fruit while standing on the ground and higher branches while standing on a ladder. Worker will pick according to grade, color, and size by gently grasping fruit with the hands and removing from the tree in a motion so as not to harm adjacent buds on the tree branches. Worker will fill bucket in a way that will distribute weight of produce evenly. Worker will carry basket of up to 60 lbs. and will place basket into wooden bins which hold approximately 10 bushels of fruit. Worker must always exercise care to prevent bruising of fruit or breaking of branches. Workers must be able to pick fruit without stem pulls, punctures, bruising or other damage which diminishes quality. Worker must also exercise care to prevent knocking fruit with the ladder or a prop. Observation of bruised, damaged or cull fruit by supervisors will result in progressive disciplinary action, outlined in work rules below. Worker may not pick up fruit that has been in contact with the ground. Worker must pick all fruit on the tree that meets quality standards. Pay will be hourly.

Special Requirements

Job requires worker to complete tasks in hand harvesting of apples, peaches, and grapes. Additional tasks will be general farms labor such as packing and sorting, pallet and bin repair and cleaning, tree training, tree planting, trellis construction and installation, farm equipment operation, vehicle, van or bus driving, building repair and farm construction, vineyard maintenance, vineyard pruning and thinning, suckering, tucking, lateral and leaf removal, disbudding, fruit thinning, canopy management, hand planting, vine replanting, vine layering and grounds maintenance.
Experience Requirement: 3 months verifiable experience in commercial tree fruit hand harvest. Applicants must furnish job references from employers of the last 5 years establishing acceptable prior experience.
Drug testing done at employers' expense and not utilized as preemployment tool.