Field Workers And Ag Equipment Operators

Job description

Field Workers, (Harvest) Mini Watermelon and Regular Watermelon, (Conventional & Organic) & Melon Harvest (Conventional & Organic), Shed and Agricultural Equipment Operator

Mini Watermelon and Melon: Field harvest workers must be able to walk in uneven rows, and identifying ripened fruit through various techniques, such as color, striping, shape as directed by Supervisors. The worker would then use a knife to cut ripe melons off the vine. Workers then place the fruit on packing machine while walking on uneven rows through the fields. Workers on top of the packing machine will then identify size, and pack in a box, bag, tote, or bin. Workers will construct containers, whether boxes, baskets, or bins. Workers will then place fruit in the container, and then label each fruit with a sticker that identifies the commodity. After fruit is stickered, a divider will be placed inside boxes. Boxes sized will then either be stacked on pallets on a field trailer, or put into a bin, and marked according by size and information pertaining to the crew and location.

Regular Seedless Watermelon: Field harvest workers must be able to walk in uneven rows, and identify ripe fruit, and use a knife to cut ripe watermelons off the vine. Worker will then move fruit into furrow/row. Worker will perform bulk loading by bending down, picking up the watermelon and then placing the fruit on a machine belt or by forming part of an assembly line, in which the first worker bends down picks up the watermelon and it is passed on to consecutive workers by passing, catching, lifting, until it reaches the worker on the trailer. Workers on the trailer then load the fruit into bulk containers under the direction of the supervisors, which are transported to a packing site. Workers must have the required physical strength and endurance to repeat the process rapidly and skillfully involved in this type of work. Workers will perform prolonged walking, bending, stooping.

Shed Labor: Workers will unload containers onto the packing line conveyer belt or packing tables, (pitchers), workers designated to pack product will remove watermelons from tables that are pre-sorted or sorted while they are placed packed in containers. Workers will apply stickers, stack product, put lids on and strap product, perform traceability and receiving tagging, set up cartons and bins, and maintain sanitation in the shed. Workers will clean, sanitize, and organize the work area at the end of each shift.

General Labor: Weeding using long-handled hoes, runner cutting, plant thinning, and ranch maintenance, pulling plastic, pulling of drip tape, cleaning of old and new vegetative growth on plant bed. Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties such as cleaning and general maintenance of the commodities specified during and after picking up trash, discarding material and assisting when equipment is moving within the ranch locations.

The employer attests that any weeding work will be performed in compliance with 8 Cal. Code Regulations Section 3437, 3456(b-c).

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience with the produce as defined in this application including harvest work. Specific requirements include lifting to 50 pounds frequently and able to use hand tools including cutting knives. 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. Work involves bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk on uneven ground and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or housing.