Farm Labor

Job description

PICKING: Picking is the manual process of removing fruit (apples) from the tree. Picking must be completed in a manner consistent with company instruction. Instruction may vary dependent on several factors including but not limited to timing of the picking, overall size of the fruit and/or color of the fruit. Fruit must be picked in a manner that does not cause damage to the fruit or the tree. Damage to the fruit includes but is not limited to bruising and/or stem punctures . Fruit must be picked in accordance with instructions taking into consideration overall coloring, sugar content and size of the fruit.

THINNING: Thinning is a manual process used to control the size and quality of the fruit. Some examples of thinning tasks are, but not limited to: Removing the smallest fruit blossom, fruit bud and/or identifiable fruit from within a cluster of other fruits. Identify and remove fruit that is misshapen, damaged and/or with other quality problems as directed by supervisors. The Worker must be able to use scissor-like clippers.

TREE TRAINING: Tree Training is a process in which the fruit tree is manipulated to increase yield and/or quality. Some examples of tree training tasks are but not limited to: Tying, taping or clipping apple or cherry tree limbs to a fixed wire. Tying up or down apple or cherry tree limbs. Training and positioning the limbs of apples and cherry trees. Shoot thinning, sucker removal, cluster thinning, shoot positioning, hedging or leaf removal. Propping and supporting apple trees.

PRUNING: The worker will prune apple and cherry trees according to established Company procedures based on the difference in the treatment of different varieties.

The Worker may be required to selectively prune only trees of a certain size and color as instructed by the crew supervisor. The Worker is expected to posses or acquire pruning skills to identify and remove stubs or broken branches, downward-growing branches, branches which rub against each other, shaded interior branches, dead wood and shoots/suckers with hand pruning saws and clippers, and/or mechanized equipment in pruning activities. Work will be performed on trees for long periods of time using a variety of pruning equipment, including but not limited to, hand shears, hand loppers, and hand saws.

AG EQUIPMENT OPERATOR- The worker may be required to operate different farm equipment and implements that can be attached such as forklifts, bin trailers, platforms, spreaders, choppers, brush movers, weed sprayers, hedgers, mechanical thinners and root pruners.

IRRIGATOR- Operate irrigation pumps and valves, repair irrigation systems, clean and flush irrigation lines and pump stations, change and/or repair sprinkler heads, prune trees to remove overhead blockage, prune root suckers and low branches blocking sprinkler spray pattern, rodent baiting and trapping, maintain drainage systems, utilize irrigation control systems, apply irrigation water according to a schedule and record information, fertigation, frost control to include starting wind machines along with frost water.

CHECKER- The Worker will perform daily tasks under the direction of a ranch manager or orchard operations manager. The Worker will check the bins each Worker picks for quality (no debris, underdeveloped fruit, bruising, etc.) . The checker will report this information to orchard supervision and the checker will not discipline employees.

LIGHT DUTY & RESTRICTIONS- Any doctor certified or restricted duties will be adhered to allowing the worker to continue to work; allowing the worker to continue to earn an income if possible. Examples include but are not limited to garbage pickup, cleanup, machine washing and other physician approved light duty positions that fall within duties allowed by listed SOC Codes.

TRAINING: There will be a demonstration period to familiarize workers with the job specifications and to demonstrate proper methods and other crop specific issues.

Special Requirements

Three (3) months experience farming apples including the ability to properly prune, thin and pick said apples. All workers are required to follow instructions and work at a reasonable speed without damaging the fruit.

Workers are not permitted to be under the influence of intoxicants of any kind during working hours. Employer reserves the right to conduct employer-paid upon-suspicion and/ or post-accident drug testing. Any employee who declines to take or fails a drug test will be immediately terminated.