Field Workers

Job description

Field Workers to perform the following duties: All work is performed in the field.

The harvest crews will cut, pick, bag, and pack Organic:, Celery & Kale

Field worker to harvest organic garden vegetables in the field (Kale). Cutting is done by hand using a cutting knife. Using a harvesting hand knife and sitting on the ground, the employee cuts the vegetable from the roots and trims damaged/poor quality outer leaves, bunches with a twist tie, and packs 12-24 bunches into a carton or tote. If the vegetables are very muddy, they will rinse the product with water hoses attached on a small harvesting machine. The process is repeated. Worker is responsible for cleaning of equipment and maintenance of yard.

Field worker to harvest organic celery. Cut, bag, pack, and load fresh celery in the field. Cutting is done on harvesting machine by using hands and cutting knife. Using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee cuts the stalk from the roots and trims the outer stalks from the stalk to prepare it to be packed into a bag, carton, tote or bin. The process is repeated. Worker responsible for cleaning of equipment and maintenance of yard.

Machine set up includes: Check machine for water and diesel; Put sticker on bags and cartons; Supply cartons for the day and put on the machine; Open or close machine; Put machine where crew will start; Move trailer. Drive Tractor – tractors have gross weight capacity under 26,001 lbs and do not require commercial driver license to operate.

Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties. Such work will be temporary and unsubstantial agricultural labor.

Crew Leaders Under the direction of the First-Line Supervisor: Direct and monitor the work of other farmworkers. This is not a supervisory position.
Harvesting crew leader will arrive to worksites with the crew or before crew. Will keep accurate records of employee hours worked, ranch and lot. Receives from supervisor daily harvesting needs. Assign duties such as harvesting of crops, products or equipment maintenance. Report all issues or concerns to the supervisor. Occasionally, will work with crew doing regular harvesting job. Provide the necessary materials to personnel. Conduct Pre-Inspection reports when necessary and when requested. Reports any observed mechanical problems of machine or equipment to supervisor. Prepare necessary amount of materials needed for the day, i.e. cartons/supplies. When working or moving machines always be observant of safety hazards, obstacles and surroundings.

Cal Van Driver Specifications:

1. Employee may drive Cal Vans which are not buses over the road.
2. Employee picks up workers from different housing sites/pick up points and takes them to an assigned work site and at the end of the day takes them back to the housing site/pick up point.
3. In order to drive a Cal Van, Employees must possess valid driver’s license (state issued) and must be able to pass Class B Physical exam and register as an FLCE driver. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the California Driver’s License, Class B Physical Exam, and registration as an FLCE driver (if any).

All employees in this position (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license (DL) and register as an FLCE driver on a voluntary basis. The DL and FLCE Certificate are not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL or FLCE Certificate at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL or FLCE Certificate.

Special Requirements

1 month of experience in vegetable harvest in any of the commodities listed.
Specific requirements include lifting up 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 frequent bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.