Packer

Job description

Crops/Commodities: Apples, peaches, nectarines, grapes, cherries, berries and vegetables. Grade, size, and sort product according to color, shape, size, appearance, feel, and/or quality, in accordance with supervisor's instructions and employer standards. Inspect products for damage/defects and discard inferior products and foreign matter. Place product in bins/trays and other containers according to grade and mark grades on containers. Weigh products and record weight and/or grade. Handle product carefully to prevent damage. Operate equipment safely, with or without direction. Must follow quality control standards and production procedures. Clean/sanitize and equipment.

Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements. Must have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Must be able to differentiate colors, textures, and other attributes of product to distinguish varieties and identify defects. Workers must operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer's products and property. Failure to comply with safety requirements and operating instructions may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination. Workers may be responsible for picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, sweeping, and mopping floors, cleaning equipment and other similar farm sanitation.

This work requires adherence to important food safety and quality standards, operating procedures, and the ability to work quickly and consistently alongside fellow workers with a positive, professional, team-based attitude and a consideration for the safety and health of fellow workers and of the consumers who will purchase and consume the fresh fruit and produce grown, harvested, packed, and shipped from the farm. Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required.

Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers are expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision.

Workers with a clean driving record (no major violations such as Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and who can obtain an insurable driver's license may operate company vehicles. This task is voluntary, compensable, and not a mandatory job duty. Workers without a valid driver’s license or doctor’s certificate will still be fully eligible for employment and are not disqualified from any other job responsibilities outlined in this application. The employer can and will make alternative arrangements for the transportation of workers should the need arise.

Licensed workers may transport coworkers between Crown Orchard-provided housing and worksites, as well as around the farm during the workday, including transporting equipment or supplies. This may involve driving on public roads to reach other farm properties. Vehicles are multi-purpose, under 13 tons, require only a standard driver’s license, and may also be used off-farm for personal errands (e.g., grocery store, bank). Workers are not required or expected to routinely pick up others from different housing sites or centralized locations.

Special Requirements

3 months prior experience required in agricultural packing operation handling both manual and mechanized tasks. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire random, upon suspicion, and post-accident drug testing required. Any employee who declines to take or fails a drug test will be immediately terminated.