Farm Worker

Job description

General Field/Vineyard Laborer The worker performs below tasks during the months prior to harvest. Harvest may start in July and end in November. These tasks require a certain amount of experience and skill. They are done under the direction of the Vineyard Foreman.

These duties will include the following:
PRUNING. This consists of pruning the old canes from the vines using a pair of one or two-handed shear.
TYING: This consists of tying the vine stock and young vines onto the existing wire using twine or a special tape. This requires fast-paced manipulation with both hands. The employee may also assist in setting trellises and wire.
SUCKERING: This consists of removing excess vine shoots. The suckering is done to leave only a desired number of shoots on the vines. This is done with a shovel to cut off unwanted growth from the lower part of the vine. Requires frequent stooping, and forceful grasping with both hands.
THINNING: This consists of pulling unwanted leaves to promote grape clusters color and growth. This is done by hand. Requires fast-paced manipulation with both hands.
TIPPING: It consists of thinning the grapes clusters to promote the growth of the grapes left on the cluster. This may be done by hand or with a pair of shears. Requires fast-paced manipulation with both hands.
HARVESTING: This consists of clipping grapes from the vines using one-handed shears. The employee will place the grapes in a tub or a crate as he goes through the vines. Full crates may be carried to the end of the row by the Picker or by other workers. Additional Duties: The employee may also do work related to vineyard development. This will require the following physical activities: Shoveling dirt. Lifting, to load and unload supplies and materials. Clean-up work including light and heavy debris. During the spraying season the employee may be trained in pest-control duties. This will require the Laborer to spray vines wearing a 30 to 40-pound spray backpack. The Sprayers undergo a physical test including a respiratory fit test. Workers may be asked to operate farm equipment such as ATV's or tractors as needed.

Special Requirements

Must have 3 months of wine grape experience. Workers must be able to lift 50 lbs frequently. No smoking, drinking, or illegal weapons or controlled substances in the fields or in housing. Cannot be color blind due to the need to distinguish colors of crops. Able to stoop, bend, walk extensively, and work in cold and wet conditions. Able to use tools such as pruning shears, grape knives, hand saws, weed eaters, hedgers, shovels. Workers may use chains saws. Safety use and training provided by employer. Workers must abide by Employer housing rules. Proficiency in English or Spanish is required for training and safety purposes. (i.e. Workers must listen to, understand and follow instructions of Employer supervisors and managers.)