Farmworker: Diversified (45-2092.00)

Job description

This ETA 790 job order is filed for Farmworker and Labors 45-2091.00. Workers will perform multiple duties associated with this SOC code and the code of Agricultural Equipment Operators (45-2091.00).

Employer current intends on growing the following crops: Crops: Strawberries, Peach, Cantaloupes, Nectarines, Beans, Watermelons, Pumpkins, Tomatoes, Squash, Cucumbers, Okra, Peas, peppers, Potatoes, Corn, Cabbage, Onions, Greens, Lettuce, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Butterbeans, Muscadines, Blueberries, Plums
Strawberries: Workers will help install black plastic and drip irrigation on rows in field being careful to cover all exposed edges of plastic cover with soil and be careful not to tear or punch holes in plastic. Workers may be asked to utilize implements associated with the installation of the plastic row covers incidental to performing required tasks on the ground. Workers will plant strawberry plants in pre-punched holes on the plastic covered rows being careful to place the strawberry plants at the same depth in the soil as they grew in the nursery. Workers will remove weeds from around the plants and from the row middles. Workers will bend and stoop to pick strawberries according to size, color, shape and degree of maturity and place into field containers. Workers will be expected to pick fully ripe strawberries, discard any cat-faced, deformed, decayed or undersized berries according to supervisor’s instructions. Also, workers must carefully remove any undesirable berries from plant that would later cause fungi to attack the plant. Workers may carry full container weighing approximately six (6) lbs. and empty into field bin or load onto trailer. All berries must be handled carefully to prevent bruises or fingernail cuts. Pickers will take extreme care not to damage the delicate berries. Quality and workmanship is of the utmost importance. Pre-harvest activities for strawberries may include covering with frost blanks and uncovering, weeding and transplanting. Workers may be required to perform other tasks maintenance activities in the strawberry operation. When harvest is completed, the workers will assist in removing the strawberry plants from the plastic to prepare for planting the next crop. In some instances, workers may be required to remove the plastic and drip irrigation tape from the row and load on trucks for removal from field.
Workers will plant, cultivate and harvest vegetables, fruits and produce. Workers will be required to remove weeds by hand or with a hoe. Workers will bend and stoop to pick vegetables according to size, color, shape and degree of maturity and place into field containers. Workers may carry full container weighing approximately fifty (50) lbs. and empty into field bin or load onto trailer. May be required to pull and discard culls as directed by supervisor. Pickers will take care not to bruise or scar produce. Pre-harvest activities may include staking, tying, transplanting and pruning. Workers will stand on feet for long periods of time. Workers are required to work in fields when plants are wet with dew or rain. Temperatures in fields during working hours can range from forty (40) to over one hundred (100) degrees.

Workers will perform various tasks involved in planting, cultivation (including pruning and thinning) and harvesting fruit according to supervisor’s instructions. Workers may till soil, plant stock, weed, and do pruning activities using a variety of tools. May aid in irrigation duties. May aid in minor repair of wooden fruit containers. Workers will harvest fruit according to color, size, and degree of maturity as specified by supervisor and place into ¾ bushel baskets taking the extra time, care and effort not to bruise or scar the fruit.

Special Requirements

Must have three months experience as a farmworker. Applicants must be able to furnish affirmative job references from recent employers. Must be physically able to meet and perform all job specifications stated in job order. Must be able to work in the hot humid weather for extended periods of time. Workers are subject to random drug testing at no cost to the employee. All drug testing will occur after the worker begins his or her employment and is not a part of the interview process. Failing or refusing a drug test will result in immediate termination.