Agriculture Equipment Operator/ Farmworker

Job description

Number of Workers Needed: 284
-The number of workers needed represents the estimated shortage of domestic workers, and therefore the number of foreign workers the Employer anticipates will be needed. The Employer will hire all able, willing, and qualified domestic workers through the 50% point of the contract period and therefore the number of foreign workers hired could be substantially fewer than listed.

JOB DUTIES:
•Provide assistance in the establishment and maintenance of orchard properties by operating machinery for clearing property, planting trees, planting vines, harvesting trees, building trellis, setting up, installing shade netting, operating and maintaining irrigation systems and any other labor considered necessary for the efficient and safe operation of orchard and vineyard properties.

•Operate various farm equipment in the establishment, maintenance and daily operations of orchard properties. Vehicles and equipment include: Tractor, Sprayer, Forklift, High lifts, Augers (diggers), Irrigation Pumps, Levee Gates, Mowers, Cultivators, Four-Wheeler, Planters, Power Shears, Chain Saws, Mechanical platforms, Man-lifts, Weed Eaters, Grape Harvester, Gondola, Backhoe, Excavator, and Extenday Roller.

•While performing all of the following duties, Workers will be expected to conform to the specific instructions provided each day by the supervisory staff, according to established company procedures accounting for difference in the treatment of different varieties and instructions based on market, fruit condition and operational demands. Time spent in this activity will depend on ranch location and seasonality.

•Farm activities will include clearing property, planting trees, harvesting nursery trees, building trellis, setting up and installing shade netting. Load and unload empty bins by hand, or tractor, or forklift, and place in orchard rows, transport full bins to loading areas.

•Drives trucks or other equipment to haul crop, supplies, tools or farm workers.

•Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants as instructed by the spray supervisor. Mix and apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, pesticides, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate and crop conditions. Deploy, operate, and maintain traps for rodent control along with other rodenticide applications. Must do so following all proper procedures for proper pesticide handling. Must attend all training associated with safe handling of these materials. This is a supervised position; and thus, does not require the employee to possess a pesticide private applicator license to perform the task of applying pesticide, herbicides, fertilizers, and/or rodenticides.

•Install, maintain, and operate irrigation systems and water lines as instructed by the Irrigation Supervisor. Repair sprinklers and overhead cooling systems. Move and install pipes, dig, and maintain irrigation ditches, install and remove levee gates. Mow, cut, and weed fields.

•Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions. Adjust, repair and service farm machinery. Manipulate and adjust equipment for designated uses. Troubleshoot malfunctions. Inspect equipment to determine condition or maintenance needs. If applicable this would be under the direct supervision of the farm maintenance or equipment supervisor.

•Must be willing and able to properly wear, use and maintain appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). May include but is not limited to all spray suits, safety glasses, ear plugs, and respirator. In addition, proper attire for the orchard environment and food safety is required. Includes but is not limited to closed footwear with appropriate traction, long sleeves and long pants.

Special Requirements

2. Worker must possess 3 months of tree fruit, row crop, nursery, and/or truck driving experience.

4e) Must be able to lift and/or load 60lbs.

4f) Work may take place when temperatures are below freezing and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

4g) May require extensive pulling and/or pushing of tools, wheelbarrows, fruit containers, etc.

4h) May require worker to sit and/or walk for extensive periods of time while sorting, picking, examining, weeding, transporting, pruning, etc.

4i) Workers will be required to stoop and/or bend over while performing farm labor such as weeding, irrigating, pruning, picking, removing debris, etc.

4j) There will be repetitive movements while performing most of the farm labor duties, for example picking, sorting, pruning, shoveling, weeding. etc.