Field Workers: Bell Pepper Harvesters

Job description

H-2A and corresponding domestic workers must be available to perform each of the following job activities in connection with the harvesting and farming operations:

Field Workers: Bell Pepper Harvesters, General Labor, Forklift Drivers, Tractor Drivers, General Farm Labor / General Ranch Maintenance to perform the following duties:

Field workers will harvest bell peppers, pick, sort and pack peppers, weeding (long-handled hoe), putting on and removing row covers, removing stakes and string.

Forklift Driver: Sits down on the forklift and performs the following:
1. Moves knobs in the machine to move loads (bins or pallets) from one trailer to another in fields.
2. Loads and unloads from trailer, empty containers and containers full of product in fields.

Tractor Driver Specifications: The tractor driver is responsible for inspecting the tractor. Duties include getting in and out of the fields. The tractor driver takes empty bins, goes into the lot and sets them throughout the lot for workers to fill with product. The tractor driver gets in and out of the field as bins are set. Once workers fill up the bin, the tractor driver gets into the lot to take out the bins full of product. The tractor driver takes them out of the field and once out the field, a forklift transfers the product into the trailer. Cycle is repeated.

General Ranch Maintenance / General Farm Labor includes, but is not limited to, on the farm road maintenance and dust control to farm roadways by means of farm equipment.

•Record information about crops, such as pesticide use, yields, or costs.
•Direct and monitor the work of casual and seasonal help during planting and harvesting.
•Participate in the inspection, grading, sorting, storage, and post-harvest treatment of crops.
•Harvest plants, and transplant or pot and label them.
•Repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment.
•Harvest fruits and vegetables by hand.
•Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress.
•Identify plants, pests, and weeds to determine the selection and application of pesticides and fertilizers.
•Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops.
•Clean work areas, and maintain grounds and landscaping.
•Feel plants' leaves and note their coloring to detect the presence of insects or disease.
•Dig, cut, and transplant seedlings, cuttings, trees, and shrubs.
•Record information about plants and plant growth.
•Maintain inventory, ordering materials as required.
•Dig, rake, and screen soil, filling cold frames and hot beds in preparation for planting.
•Inspect plants and bud ties to assess quality.
•Trap and destroy pests, such as moles, gophers, and mice, using pesticides.
•Move containerized shrubs, plants, and trees, using wheelbarrows or tractors.
•Haul and spread topsoil, fertilizer, peat moss, and other materials to condition soil, using wheelbarrows or carts and shovels.
•Repair farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
•Plant, spray, weed (long-handled hoe), fertilize, water, and prune plants, shrubs, and trees, using gardening tools.
•Examine and inspect containers, materials, or products to ensure that product quality and packing specifications are met.
•Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.
•Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records.
•Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.
•Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.
•Obtain, move, and sort products, materials, containers, and orders, using hand tools.
•Mark and label containers, container tags, or products, using marking tools.
•Clean containers, materials, supplies, or work areas, using cleaning solutions and hand tools.

Special Requirements

Requirements: 2-month experience in bell pepper harvest. Written verification of experience is required. Cannot be color blind due to the need to distinguish colors of the product. Must be able to use shears, clippers and other agricultural tools (i.e., hand saw (can be powered by gas)); no smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any sort in the housing or work fields. Worker safety on the job and in employer-provided housing is our top priority. Workers may not possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances at the worksite or in the employer-provided housing. Fighting, including but not limited to, verbal, physical, or through social media or texts, and any threats or act of violence, and/or disruptive behavior against another individual or against property will not be tolerated, particularly acts of violence committed while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.