Field Workers (table Grape Harvesters); Calvan Drivers

Job description

H-2A and corresponding domestic workers must be available to perform each of the following job activities in connection with the harvesting and farming operations:

Field Workers (Table Grape Harvesters); CalVan Drivers; Crew Leader; Scanner to perform the following duties:

Workers will harvest table grapes by hand. Workers work in groups of three to harvest the grapes – two workers will perform hand harvest and one worker places the table grapes in plastic bags (in the field). Hand-harvesting is performed using knives and/or shears. Workers cut the bunches at the stem. After whole bunches are cut, workers place them in collection/picking baskets/lugs and transfer them to the worker placing the grapes in plastic bags. The picker trims the ripe clusters leaving those that are not ripe behind. Workers push a loaded wheelbarrow across uneven and soft terrain with 125 lbs of weight for approximately 200 yards where the harvested product is handed to the worker placing the harvested grapes in the plastic bags, who works at a portable stand in the avenue between vineyard blocks. The harvested table grapes are placed in plastic bags in the field. Workers must have the ability to visually evaluate and sort fruit based on slight differences in fruit size, fruit uniformity, color, firmness. Workers must have the ability to determine subtle differences in shades of green, yellow, red, purple, and black, in varying light and shade environments. In field packing preparing/freshly harvested crops for shipment in their original, unmanufactured state. Workers may also perform general grape labor.

General Ranch Maintenance / General Farm Labor includes, but is not limited to, on the farm road maintenance and dust control to farm roadways by means of farm equipment.

Special Requirements

Requirements: 2-months experience in grape harvest. Written verification of experience is required. Cannot be color blind due to the need to distinguish colors of the product. Must be able to use shears, clippers and other agricultural tools (i.e., hand saw (can be powered by gas)); no smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, or weapons of any sort in the housing or work fields. Worker safety on the job and in employer-provided housing is our top priority. Workers may not possess, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances at the worksite or in the employer-provided housing. Fighting, including but not limited to, verbal, physical, or through social media or texts, and any threats or act of violence, and/or disruptive behavior against another individual or against property will not be tolerated, particularly acts of violence committed while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.