Field Worker

Job description

Field Worker (Artichoke, Cauliflower, Head Lettuce, Mix Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce and Romaine Hearts) to perform the following duties: All work is performed in the field and on a farm: Workers may cut, carry, bag, pack, and seal multiple pack styles simultaneously and load fresh product in the field. May operate, wash, sanitize, maintain and inspect tractors, restrooms and harvest machines in the field. Workers will receive specific instructions on required tasks and results expected. Work will be closely monitored by Forepersons, Field Supervisors, and/or Customers. Workers are expected and responsible to meet and complete production demands according to the company’s and customers quality, sanitation, and food safety standards. Workers may be required to permanently or temporarily moved or assigned to another crew and/or positions within a crew as needed to complete the production demand, worker relief, assistance, or other justified reason within the guidelines of the program. Work and crew assignments are made by and at the discretion of the Foreman and/or Supervisor based on Company need and/or production demand. Crew and/or position changes are prohibited without Foreman/Supervisor consent and/or reasonable cause. Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with the primary duties. Such work will be temporary and insubstantial agricultural labor. Workers are expected to perform and complete the assigned tasks in a professional and efficient manner while keeping up with the pace of the crew. Workers must be willing, able, qualified and available to complete the assigned job duties. Workers may occasionally harvest and/or pack product without harvesting machine assistance (on the ground). Such work is performed during the transfer of the harvesting machine from one end of a field or furrow to another and/or during non-scheduled maintenance on equipment. Workers may be required to lift up between 60 to 90 lbs., and also be required to sporadically bend, lift, twist, push and pull continuously throughout the day to complete the task as needed. Workers may occasionally rework product in the field to meet customer specification, such as re-weigh, re-pack, re-sticker, re-bag or change to a different requested pack style. Workers may be required to lift products up to 60 lbs., and be required to bend, lift, twist, push and pull to complete the task. Workers are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when needed. This responsibility does not involve regular packing activities, which may have been completed by other workers.

HARVEST OPERATIONS: ARTICHOKE Cutting is done by walking simultaneously at a moderate pace throughout the fields on uneven furrows while carrying a basket on the worker’s back. The cutter determines the size, length and quality of the product to be harvested according to the pack style and size specifications provided. Then, using a harvesting knife and reaching over bending at the waist, the cutter cuts at the specified stem length then using a slight backwards motion tosses the product into the basket. Once the basket has reached the capacity of ¾ (three-quarters) full of product, the worker carries the loaded basket to the end of the furrow and places it onto the trailer or directly on the harvest machine for dumping. The process is repeated. Baskets with product can weigh up to 90 lbs. and are carried for up to 80% of the time during harvesting. The dumper receives baskets full of product from either the trailer or directly from the cutters. Loads baskets onto the harvest machine platform by safely stacking baskets on top of each other carefully avoiding damage to the product. Continuously dumps baskets of product onto the conveyor belt to ensure the packers have enough product throughout the day. Inspects and discards rotting and/or over-ripened product.

Special Requirements

3 months of agricultural experience in any of the commodities harvested in this job order. Applicants must furnish verifiable job references or comparable third-party documentation from recent employers to establish acceptable prior experience. This requirement will be applied equally to all new foreign and domestic candidates.

The Company may require the worker to submit to a post-hire drug/alcohol test, at the employers expense, upon the occurrence of a reportable incident or accident, or upon reasonable suspicion. Drug screening is post-offer, can be random, and is at no cost to the workers.

Specific requirements include lifting up to 90 pounds frequently. Must be able to use hand tools, including a dibble stick. 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 sun, rain, cold, high winds, etc. and indoors where in humid conditions.