Field Workers

Job description

Field Worker (Sweet Baby Broccoli Harvest Workers, Broccoli Harvest Workers, Lettuce Harvest Workers, Leafy Green Harvest Workers, Kale Harvest Workers, Cauliflower Harvest Workers, Cabbage Harvest Workers, Agricultural Equipment Operators, & Sanitation) to perform the following duties:

All work is performed in the field and on the farm.

Sweet Baby Broccoli Harvest Workers: Sweet Baby Broccoli Harvest Workers will harvest Broccoli as a member of a harvest crew and perform the following tasks: harvest broccoli by walking in assigned furrows behind a harvesting machine, selecting size and weight of broccoli heads to be harvested as specified by supervisor. Broccoli harvest workers will bend at the waist, and using a harvest knife, cut a specified number of broccoli head/Stem from the plant and bunch it with two rubber bands and place on harvest table/belt where a worker on the harvest machine will cut stem to specified length by the supervisor. Workers will also walk assigned furrows and pinch the top of the stem/bud. Workers could also be asked to cut a head/stem onto the harvest machine table/belt where a worker on the harvest machine would place into an RPC, all harvest work is repetitive in nature and effort will vary depending on field conditions and product quality.
Broccoli Harvest Workers: Broccoli Harvest Workers will harvest Broccoli as a member of a harvest crew and perform the following tasks: harvest broccoli by walking in assigned furrows behind a harvesting machine, selecting size and weight of broccoli heads to be harvested as specified by supervisor. Broccoli harvest workers will bend at the waist, and using a harvest knife, cut the broccoli head from the plant and cut the sides of the broccoli head into a crown shape and place product as directed by supervisor. Harvesting work is repetitive in nature.

Workers may also be directed to floret and/or pack broccoli in the field on the farm. Floreting is performed by cutting the crown into smaller florets using a small hand knife. Stalk retention may be simultaneously performed during the floreting process by placing the stalk in a separate container after the crown has been floreted. Broccoli may be bunched with a rubber band and packed into a box or packed naked into a tote for processing in the field on the farm. Packers either or combination of; tie, sort, bag, tape and place into a specified package or carton. Floreting and packing work is repetitive in nature in the field on the farm.

Cauliflower Harvest Workers: Cauliflower Harvest Workers will harvest Cauliflower as a member of a harvest crew and perform the following tasks: harvest cauliflower by walking in assigned furrows behind a harvesting machine, selecting size and weight of cauliflower heads to be harvested as specified by supervisor. Cauliflower harvest workers will bend at the waist, and using a harvest knife, cut the cauliflower head from the plant and place product on belt or table depending on harvesting machine, where employees sort and fill totes and or bins. Once totes, RPCs or bins are filled they are pushed on the conveyor belt for workers to close/cover and stack onto pallets on the deck of the harvester or trailer. RPCs, totes or bins with product can weigh up to 50 lb. Some Totes or bins for product are constructed manually by unfolding and locking the material as designed to form a box. Harvesting work is repetitive in nature.

Special Requirements

One-month experience harvesting broccoli, leafy green or lettuce is required. Must have use of both hands and be able to use a broccoli, lettuce harvest knife. 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. Ability to communicate in English or Spanish is required for training and safety purposes.