Field Workers: Table Grape Harvesters

Job description

H-2A and corresponding domestic workers must be available to perform each of the following job activities in connection with the harvesting and farming operations:

Field Workers: Table Grape Harvesters, Forklift Drivers, Tractor Drivers, General Ranch Maintenance / General Farm Labor to perform the following duties:

Workers will harvest table grapes by hand. Workers work in groups of three to harvest the grapes – two workers will perform hand harvest and one worker places the table grapes in plastic bags (in the field). Hand-harvesting is performed using knives and/or shears. Workers cut the bunches at the stem. After whole bunches are cut, workers place them in collection/picking baskets/lugs and transfer them to the worker placing the grapes in plastic bags. The picker trims the ripe clusters leaving those that are not ripe behind. Workers push a loaded wheelbarrow across uneven and soft terrain with 125 lbs of weight for approximately 200 yards where the harvested product is handed to the worker placing the harvested grapes in the plastic bags, who works at a portable stand in the avenue between vineyard blocks. The harvested table grapes are placed in plastic bags in the field. Workers must have the ability to visually evaluate and sort fruit based on slight differences in fruit size, fruit uniformity, color, firmness. Workers must have the ability to determine subtle differences in shades of green, yellow, red, purple, and black, in varying light and shade environments. In field packing preparing/freshly harvested crops for shipment in their original, unmanufactured state. Workers may also perform general grape labor.

General Ranch Maintenance / General Farm Labor includes, but is not limited to, on the farm road maintenance and dust control to farm roadways by means of farm equipment.

•Record information about crops, such as pesticide use, yields, or costs.
•Direct and monitor the work of casual and seasonal help during planting and harvesting.
•Participate in the inspection, grading, sorting, storage, and post-harvest treatment of crops.
•Harvest plants, and transplant or pot and label them.
•Repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment.
•Harvest fruits and vegetables by hand.
•Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress.
•Identify plants, pests, and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers.
•Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops.
•Clean work areas, and maintain grounds and landscaping.
•Feel plants' leaves and note their coloring to detect the presence of insects or disease.
•Dig, cut, and transplant seedlings, cuttings, trees, and shrubs.
•Record information about plants and plant growth.
•Maintain inventory, ordering materials as required.
•Dig, rake, and screen soil, filling cold frames and hot beds in preparation for planting.
•Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality.
•Trap and destroy pests, such as moles, gophers, and mice, using pesticides.
•Move containerized shrubs, plants, and trees, using wheelbarrows or tractors.
•Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels.
•Repair farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
•Plant, spray, weed (long-handled hoe), fertilize, water, and prune plants, shrubs, and trees, using gardening tools.
•Examine and inspect containers, materials, or products to ensure that product quality and packing specifications are met.
•Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.
•Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records.
•Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.
•Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.

Special Requirements

2-months experience in grape harvest. Written verification of experience is required. Workers must stand, sit, crouch, bend, reach, lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds in the course of performing required activities. Workers must be able to listen, understand, and follow instructions of company supervisors and managers.

The company's Employment Arbitration Agreement is set forth in this Clearance Order outlining the procedures to follow in raising concerns to seek their prompt resolution with an option to arbitrate unresolved matters. The employer assures that its Arbitration Agreement shall not preclude the workers from filing claims with the Americas Job Center of California offices (AJCCs) under the Employment Services Complaint System and the workers will not face retaliation.