Vineyard Worker
Employer
26 Wing Road Millbrook
Millbrook, NY 12545
United States
Job description
Workers will perform a variety of vineyard duties with grapes under the direction of the Vineyard Foreman. Tasks include:
Pruning: Prune old canes and remove excess growth using pruning shears, loppers, and hand saws. Identify and remove dead wood, broken branches, and unwanted shoots.
Trellis Work: Tie vines to trellises using twine or tape. Assist in setting trellises and wire. Make trellis adjustments and repairs as needed to support vine growth.
Suckering: Remove excess vine shoots and unwanted growth from the lower part of the vine using hand tools or shovels. Requires frequent stooping and forceful grasping with both hands.
Leafing/Thinning: Pull unwanted leaves around grape clusters by hand to promote color and growth. Thin grape clusters to promote growth of remaining grapes, using either hand or shears.
Weed Control: Pull weeds and use weed whacker/string trimmer to remove weeds and grass from vineyard rows and around vines. May spray weeds as directed by Foreman.
Harvesting: Clip grapes from vines using one-handed shears. Place grapes in tubs or crates. Full crates may be carried to the end of the row by the worker or by other workers. Care must be exercised at all times to prevent breaking of vines and to maximize the quality of fruit.
Equipment Operation: Workers may operate farm equipment such as tractors and mowers as needed. Employer will provide instruction on safe operation of equipment before use. Workers must operate equipment in a manner that protects the operator, other workers, crops, and equipment. Workers may also perform light maintenance/repair of farm equipment.
Additional Duties: Other vineyard tasks include repairing and maintaining fences, fixing farm buildings and other structures. Workers may also lift and load supplies and materials, as well as clean up both light and heavy debris.
Lawn Care: Perform basic lawn maintenance including mowing designated areas.
Work is to be done for long periods of time in the field, when plants may be wet with dew and rain, and may be required during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers ability to perform the job. Workers must be able to perform the required work with or without reasonable accommodations.
Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing appropriate work clothing and boots or other durable foot wear. Casual clothing not permitted. Workers wearing inappropriate clothing will not be permitted to start work.
Workers will have an unpaid lunch break when working more than 5 hours. Must report to work at the designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedules may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start/end times. Employer may request, but not require, that workers work more than the stated daily hours, on the worker’s Sabbath, or on federal holidays.
Workers may not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol on company worksites or vehicles is prohibited and will be cause for immediate termination. Cell phone use is generally prohibited while working and is only permitted in the event of an emergency.
Special Requirements
2 months prior experience required in agricultural vineyard work, including pruning/thinning grape vines. Must be able to lift/carry 50 pounds throughout the course of a workday. Workers are not permitted to be under the influence of intoxicants of any kind during working hours. Employer reserves the right to conduct post-hire, employer-paid, random drug testing in accordance with state law. Any employee who declines to take or fails a drug test will be immediately terminated. Consistent with New York Labor Law 201d, the employer does not prohibit lawful use of cannabis or other legal consumable products outside of work hours and off employer property.