Grove Workers (citrus And Avocado)

Job description

Agricultural Products: Avocado (including Reed variety), Valencia Orange, Grapefruit, Kumquat

Field Worker Duties:
Avocado Harvesting:
Field workers will harvest avocados using 28-40 ft. ladders and 9-12 ft. picking poles. Hand clippers will be used to trim branches and stems, with some avocados placed in picking bags. Workers will also collect loose avocados from the ground and transport filled bags to bins located on nearby roads. The avocado harvest season runs from February through September, subject to fruit availability and weather conditions.
Citrus Harvesting:
Field workers will harvest citrus using ladders, hand clippers, and picking bags. Depending on the harvest type, citrus will be clipped or pulled and placed in the picking bag. Full bags will be carried to bins located on nearby roads.
Grove Development:
Field workers will perform grove maintenance tasks, including pruning, fertilizing, and land clearing:
• Pruning: Conducted with hand clippers or extension pole clippers, pruning is performed in a standing position. Workers will not perform pruning in stooped, kneeling, or squatting positions. Pruning tasks are intermittent and will account for no more than 20% of scheduled hours.
• Land Clearing: Using long-handled hoes (4 feet or longer) or 22-inch machetes, workers will clear land while standing. Additional land clearing involves manually moving tree sections that have been cut, requiring workers to alternate between standing and squatting positions intermittently.
CF Farming, Inc assures that it will abide by rest period requirements in accordance with 8 Cal. Code Regulations 3456(c)(4). Employer assures it will provide gloves, any tools needed, and training in prevention of work-related injuries, at no cost to workers.

Special Requirements

3 months of harvesting avocado and citrus is required. Specific requirements include lifting up to 60-90 pounds frequently and being able to use hand tools, including cutting knives. Cannot be color blind due to the need to distinguish colors of crops. Must be able to use hand clippers and work on high ladders on hillsides. Must be able to carry ladders and cannot be afraid of heights. 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. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.

(See Addendum C)