Farmworker/laborer

Job description

FARM LABORER:
1. Pruning: For pruning trees, workers will receive proper tools for the particular job, i.e., saw, pruners and hand snips. These tools will be returned to Employer at the end of the task. The supervisor will set a standard or pattern for each orchard and will demonstrate and communicate this to the workers. Workers will be assigned rows of trees and must prune each tree according to the predetermined standard. Workers must remove all resulting materials from the trees rendered from performing pruning tasks. When pruning is complete on each tree, each worker is required to rake and scatter the resulting brush in the center of the tractor/equipment middles.

In some instances, pruning will be done from an 18-foot ladder weighing up to 36 lbs. All workers must be able to lift and carry the ladder, as well as work from the top of the ladder. When workers use ladders for pruning, workers will be required to pick up and return ladders to the wagon provided by the employer at the end of each work day or as directed by the employer or designated supervisor. Pay will be piece rate, depending on variety, complexity, size of canopy and height of tree.

2. Orchard Maintenance: Workers involved in orchard maintenance may be required to strip suckers or unwanted growth from trees, knock fruit off trees and strap and tie trees. Employer will provide all equipment. Instruction will be given for each task and standards of performance communicated to workers. The specific standards for a job will be disclosed and demonstrated by the supervisor before the work begins. Pay will be hourly.

3. Farm Equipment Operation: Workers may be required to operate tractors, forklifts, ranger, box hauler and other farm equipment during field operations incidental to the production of the crop. Before any worker is required to operate any farm equipment, the worker will be instructed in the proper and safe operation of a tractor and applicable equipment. Workers will be required to operate tractors and equipment according to instructions and in a manner that protects the operator, other workers, trees, crops, and equipment. Failure to obey operating and safety instructions will result in progressive disciplinary action, described in attached work rules. Pay will be hourly.

Special Requirements

Job requires worker to complete tasks in general farm labor and hand harvesting of apples. Experience Requirement: 2 verifiable months of commercial tree fruit hand harvest experience required. Applicants must furnish job references from recent employers within the past 5 years establishing acceptable prior experience.

Drug testing not utilized as pre-employment tool. See work rules for more information regarding post-employment drug testing.