Farm Worker

Job description

This job requires a minimum of three months' experience in thinning and/or harvesting tree fruit. Workers must be able to perform all work activities with accuracy and efficiency. Workers must work at a sustained, vigorous pace and make bona fide efforts to work productively and consistently in a manner that is reasonable under the climatic and other working conditions experienced. Workers must perform in a manner reasonably consistent with the amount, quality, and efficiency of work accomplished by their coworkers. Workers should be able to work on their feet in stooped positions for long periods of time. Repetitive movements and extensive walking are often required. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, inspect spray, related chemicals, etc., may affect workers' ability to perform the job. Field workers are exposed to a range of climatic conditions ranging from cool and wet to hot and dry. Temperatures may range from 10 to over 100 F depending on the season and time of day. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers that are not severe enough to stop field operations. Workers must possess both the strength and stamina to do the work required, including the ability to lift and carry 65 lbs. Upon occasion, work will be required on Saturdays and offered, but not required, on Sundays. Persons seeking employment as experienced Farm Workers must be available for the entire period required by the employer. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statements establishing relevant prior work experience.

Blossom and Peach Thinning:
Thinning is a manual process used to control the size, crop load, and fruit quality of cultivated fruit. Employees will be given appropriate initial and ongoing training as needed by supervisors. The ability to pick up, use, and safely handle an 8-10 foot orchard ladder weighing approximately 40 lbs. is necessary for the performance of thinning tasks. This process requires the employee to remove fruit buds, blossoms and/or identifiable fruit from a branch or from within a cluster of other fruits. Workers will be expected to be able to identify and remove fruit that is smaller, misshapen, damaged, and/or has other quality problems as directed by supervisors.
Harvesting of peaches is specifically targeted to precise timing based on the maturity of the individual fruit. Different varieties of peaches will be picked according to the criteria and procedures established by company owners/supervisors.

Harvest of Peaches:
Workers will use ladders ranging from 8 ft. to 10 ft. in length and weighing approximately 40 lbs. Care must be taken when picking peaches or pears so as not to damage or bruise the fruit. Properly filled fruit packs weigh up to 35 lbs. Workers must be able to climb the ladder with the 35-lb. picking sack or tote. Workers are required to snap fruit off of the tree using their thumb and palm of hand to avoid bruising. Each piece of fruit must be carefully placed in the sack or bucket to avoid bruising. The foreman or owner will give demonstrations of how the fruit must be picked. Picking equirements will be explained to all workers prior to the season's start.

Pruning:
Pruning numerous varieties of peach trees according to established company procedures based on the difference in the treatment of different varieties. Work will be performed on trees for long periods of time using a variety of pruning equipment, including hand shears, hand loppers, hand saws, and 10 ft. ladders. Workers pruning peach trees may be required to selectively prune only trees of a certain size as instructed by the crew boss.

Special Requirements

Work days, hours, and start/end times may vary depending on the season and weather. Work on a Sabbath day or holiday may be required during peak periods.
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Los das, horarios y horas de inicio y fin de trabajo pueden variar segn la temporada y el clima. Es posible que sea necesario trabajar en sbado o da festivo durante los perodos pico.