Drivers/vineyard Tractor Driver

Job description

Van Driver: Drives less than 10% of time and for short durations
1. Driver may drive over the road in passenger vans.
2. Driver will drive designated vans to transport harvest crew workers to and from housing and worksite locations. Driving job duty is not a different job and the drivers perform harvesting job duties when not driving.
3. Driver will be responsible for filling van with fuel and keeping vehicle clean.
4. Driver will be required to complete and process periodic driving reports as required by state laws.
5. Driver will be required to follow all traffic laws and if applicable, vanpool rules.
6. In order to drive, drivers must possess a valid authorized driver’s license and must be able to pass DOT (Department of Transportation) recognized medical exam and fulfill all other DOT requirements.
7. Van Driver requires a performs the medical exam at no cost to the employee or employer. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the registration as an FLCE driver (if any).
8. Direct and monitor the work of seasonal farmworkers during pre-harvest and harvesting.

Drivers are compensated for these activities.
All employees engaged in driving activities (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license or commercial driver’s license (DL or CDL) on a voluntary basis. The DL/CDL is not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL/CDL or FLCE Certificate at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL/CDL or FLCE certificate.

Crew Leaders Under the direction of the First-Line Supervisor:
Harvesting crew leader will arrive to work site with the crew or before crew. Will keep accurate records of employee hours worked, ranch and lot. Receives from supervisor daily harvesting needs. Assign duties such as harvesting of crops, products or equipment maintenance. Report all issues or concerns to the supervisor. Occasionally, will work with crew doing regular harvesting job. Provide the necessary materials to personnel. Conduct Pre-Inspection reports when necessary and when requested. Reports any observed mechanical problems of machine or equipment to supervisor. Prepare necessary amount of materials needed for the day, i.e. cartons/supplies. When working or moving machines always be observant of safety hazards, obstacles and surroundings. Direct and monitor the work of other farm workers and work under the direction of Supervisors. Enter and track times and rest and meal breaks.

This is not a supervisory position and this position does not require making personnel decisions or developing compliance or safety protocols. Such standards are developed by Supervisors and managers. Crew Leaders will observe workers to ensure safety and compliance standards are maintained and will report issues or problems to Supervisors.

Job title: Vineyard Tractor Driver
Operates and controls various types and sizes of tractors to:
• Maintain fields by dicing and mowing
• Apply chemicals to vines

Harvest duties include:
• Move harvested grapes from the gondolas to the truck that transports them in the field
• Harvest grapes
• Drive tractors with light towers. Tractors have gross weight capacity under 26,001 lbs and do not require commercial driver license to operate.

The harvest season typically occurs between August and October but may vary based on weather and crop conditions.

*If tractor driving work isn’t available, driver may perform available field work at his/her regular rate of pay.

Special Requirements

Additional Information Regarding Job Qualifications/Requirements:

Driver Requirements:
1) Type of drivers license required: Class C California license (or equivalent from another state)
2) The employer will pay all associated cost in order for the driver to obtain his drivers license.

Specific Requirements for Vineyard Crews:

Physical:
Good vision
Good hearing
Reasonable noise tolerance
Reasonable dust tolerance
Ability to work nights
Ability to work different shifts
Ability to work swiftly
Must be able to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs.
Ability to work in all types of weather conditions, i.e., frost, fog, wind, heat, etc.
Repetitive stooping and bending
Good finger dexterity
Firm hand grip
Repetitive arm and shoulder movement, above and below head level
Repetitive use of wrist and hands
Repetitive pulling, pushing and reaching
Walking on uneven ground