Agricultural Worker

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Workers will perform the following strategic vineyard and also blueberry and blackberry activities throughout the agricultural season, including but not limited to:

Bud Break and Flowering:
• Monitor vine growth and shoot development.
• Assist with shoot positioning and training.
• Remove unwanted shoots to promote balanced vine growth.
• Remove suckers from trunks and vine bases.
• Assist with frost protection activities when required.

Shoot Thinning / Desuckering:
• Remove excess or non-productive shoots.
• Balance vine canopy to improve airflow and sunlight exposure.
• Support uniform vine development according to production standards.

Canopy Management, Weed Control, and Leaf Removal:
• Perform leaf removal around fruiting zones.
• Thin shoots and clusters to regulate crop load.
• Remove weeds manually or mechanically within vine rows.
• Assist with vineyard floor management and soil maintenance.
• Maintain canopy structure to enhance fruit quality.

Cluster Growth:
• Monitor grape cluster development and vine health.
• Perform cluster thinning as directed.
• Adjust canopy growth to protect fruit integrity.
• Assist with pest, disease, and bird control measures.

Veraison and Ripening:
• Support vineyard operations during color change and ripening stages.
• Monitor grape maturity under supervision.
• Assist with irrigation adjustments and canopy management.
• Maintain vineyard cleanliness and order during ripening period.

Harvest Activities:
• Hand harvest grapes using knives and/or shears.
• Select and cut grape clusters according to quality standards.
• Carry and load harvested grapes into bins, gondolas, or containers.
• Assist with mechanical harvesting operations when applicable.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation procedures during harvest.

Additional Vineyard Operations:
• Prepare and plant vineyards.
• Install and repair trellis systems.
• Install, maintain, and repair irrigation and drainage systems.
• Operate tractors, ATVs, and vineyard machinery for disking, mowing, spraying, chopping, hauling, post pounding, plowing, and harvesting.
• Perform daily equipment inspection and basic maintenance.
• Mix, load, and apply agricultural chemicals under supervision and according to safety regulations.
• Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions to the Vineyard Manager
• Perform other agricultural maintenance or cleaning tasks related to vineyard operations as assigned.

This job description accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Worker Vineyard Management and Blueberry and Blackberry position.

Special Requirements

NONE