Field Workers, Ag Equipment Operators, Forklift Drivers

Job description

Crops: Dates, Olives, & Citrus

Tree Work – All tree (Date Palms/Olive Trees, and Citrus Trees) work requires either working from the ground while standing or walking on uneven ground, or working from a basket/platform that is raised by a forklift or reach lift that will be raised off the ground that could be as high as 55 feet off the ground. Employees will be pruning and hoeing citrus, date and olive trees, using both hands pruning shears, pruning loppers and long handled hoes.

Specific to Date Palms - De-thorn job is done by removing thorns from palms with curved knife while standing on the ground or in a raised platform, by moving the knife along the edges of the frond removing the thorns. Pollinating is done by removing the husk of the flower and tying a string around the strands at the middle of the flower, and possibly removing a portion of the flower, if necessary, applying date pollen by hand with a small rubber pollinating tool. Cutting Centers/ Strands/ Thinning is done by removing the center of the bunches with a hand pruner, and selectively removing dates or cutting strands to length. Tying for direction is done by choosing the natural direction of the bunch/fruit arm and bending it without breaking, and then tying it to support the weight of the fruit arm. The employee will insert metal rings carefully between the strands of the fruit bunch and then applying a fruit bag over the bunch while securing the bag to the bunch. Closing of the bag is done prior to harvest using twine or Velcro on the bag. All jobs are done under the direction of the foreman and supervisor to ensure quality of work.

Hand weeding/thinning will constitute no more than 20% of weekly work hours ("occasional or intermittent"). The employer attests that any thinning, hoeing, weeding, or hand-weeding work will be performed in compliance with 8 Cal. Code Regulations Section 3437, 3456(b-c).

Harvest- All (Date Palms/Olive Trees, and Citrus Trees) harvest requires either working from the ground while standing or walking on uneven ground, or working from a basket/platform that is raised by a forklift or reach lift that will be raised off the ground that could be as high as 55 feet off the ground. Harvest is done by identifying fruit by color, and texture and picking accordingly and placing fruit into trays that are then moved to the field trailers or pallets. Removing is done by using a knife and cutting the twine and taking off bag. Bags are then counted/folded and put on pallets for storage. Fruit arms are then cut off using a knife. All jobs are done under the direction of the foreman and supervisor to ensure quality of work.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience working in Date Palm Trees field work as defined in this application. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements include lifting to 50 pounds frequently and 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. Workers must be able to work in a basket/platform that is raised by a forklift or reach lift that could be raised as high as 55 feet off the ground. Employees must be able to physically wear OSHA authorized safety PPE. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in fields or housing.