Fruit And Vegetable Harvester

Job description

Seasonal harvesters will perform various agricultural tasks associated with harvesting cherries, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelons, tomatoes, almonds, bell peppers, and pumpkins. Duties include manually cultivating and harvesting fruits and vegetables by hand, placing them into buckets, bins, or other containers, and transferring products to grading areas, conveyor belts, or harvesting belts. Workers will field grade, pack/stack, load and unload crops. Cantaloupe, watermelon, and pumpkins must be gently pinched during harvest and loaded carefully into boxes to prevent bruising or damage. Sweet corn requires manual harvesting and packing by hand or with a knife, including corning, cutting, and stacking. Tomato harvesting involves hand-picking tomatoes, placing them into buckets, and stacking trays. Almond harvesting requires knocking almonds from trees and raking the fallen almonds. Bell pepper harvesting involves hand-picking peppers (using a knife to cut stems when needed), placing them into buckets, and emptying into bins. Cherry harvesting requires the use of ladders to pick cherries by hand.

Qualified workers may operate specialized tractors after completing safety training and passing a hands-on driving exam. Additional agricultural duties may include weed removal using a long-handled hoe longer than four feet, shoveling, ground preparation, and other tasks related to the crops covered under this job order. Workers must follow all safety protocols, including observing warning signs, attending safety training, and complying with employer and state-mandated health and safety rules.

Workers will use standard agricultural tools, including but not limited to, shears, knives, ladders, long-handled rakes, hoes, and shovels. Hand-weeding in a stooped, kneeling, or squatting position is not required. Workers may encounter plant pollens, insects, snakes, rodents, noxious plants, and disease/insect control treated plant materials. Workers must walk on uneven terrain and should wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Special Requirements

Applicants must have at least one month of agricultural experience, including harvesting fruits and vegetables by hand. Workers must be authorized to work in the United States and meet the physical demands of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. All worksites and employer facilities are drug-free workplaces. Employees must not report to work or perform duties while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. The employer may conduct drug testing at no cost to the worker in cases of reportable accidents or reasonable suspicion.