Field Worker

Job description

Field Workers: Romaine, Romaine Hearts, Mix (Red Leaf, Green Leaf, Butter), Iceberg Lettuce to perform the following duties:

Field worker to harvest romaine, iceberg lettuce, & romaine hearts. Cut, bag, pack, and load fresh lettuce in the field. Cutting is done on harvesting machine by using hands and cutting knife. Using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee cuts the head from the roots and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be packed into a carton, tote or bin. The process is repeated. Worker is responsible for cleaning of equipment and maintenance of yard.

Field worker to harvest mix leaf, green leaf, red leaf & butter. Cut, bag, pack, and load fresh lettuce in the field. Cutting is done on harvesting machine by using hands and cutting knife. Using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee cuts the head from the roots and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be packed into a carton or tote. The process is repeated. Worker will also break sweet baby leaves. Worker is responsible for cleaning of equipment and maintenance of yard.

Machine set up includes: Check machine for water and diesel; Put sticker on bags and cartons; Supply cartons for the day and put on the machine; Open or close machine; Put machine where crew will start; Move trailer.

Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties. Such work will be temporary and unsubstantial agricultural labor.

Work Schedule
The normal work week is 7 hours per day, Monday through Friday (35 hours per week). Workers may be requested to work on Saturdays, Sundays or Federal Holidays depending on the conditions of the fields, weather, and maturity of the crop. Overtime may be requested. The Employer abides by California Wage Order 14. The employer abides by the seventh (7) day of rest rules. Employer will abide by the double time rules of Wage Order 14. (i.e. Agricultural employees are generally entitled to time and one-half pay for the first eight hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of work in any given work week, and double-time pay for all work performed in excess of eight hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in any given workweek.)

The workday start times may vary from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and the workday end time is 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (depending on the start time). Workers are notified of any change in the start time. An unpaid lunch break of 30 minutes and two paid 10-minute work breaks are provided. On workdays of less than 5 hours no lunch break will be provided. Workers must refrain from performing any work during scheduled rest breaks and for the full period of the scheduled lunch break. Workers will be assigned a specific work schedule at the sole discretion of the employer. Work schedule assignments may be changed at the sole discretion of the employer.

The work described in this Clearance Order is regular, full time work requiring all workers to be available for work on a daily basis. This is not "day work". Tardiness and/or unexcused absences will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action as set forth in the employer’s employment policies.

All workers not occupying employer-provided housing must provide the employer with contact information before the worker commences employment. This contact information will be used to notify the worker not to report to work due to inclement weather or when work is not available, to notify the worker of any change in the worker’s daily work schedule, or for any other reason.

Employees may experience a temporary reduction in work and/or a temporary work stoppage due to the natural agricultural cycle.

Special Requirements

Minimum Job Qualifications:
1 month of harvest experience in any one of the listed commodities. Specific requirements include lifting up 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. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.

Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, and other natural elements. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the period of employment. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.