Field Workers

Job description

Heavy labor field worker to harvest (Clean Core of Head Lettuce, Romaine Top and Tail Value added) (In the field and on the farm):

Specific to Dole, Clean and Core of Head Lettuce: Heavy field work to harvest cored head lettuce in preparation for value added processing. Manual cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting conveyor belt or riding a machine platform. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, the worker then determines the size and quality of the cored lettuce to be harvested and using a harvesting knife with a coring attachment, the employee bends at the waist, grasps produce and cuts the head from its roots. Employee then trims the outer leaves from the head and removes core with the coring attachment. Employee inspects the head lettuce for defects and places head onto the belt. The process is repeated. The cored lettuce is then carried down the belt where employees inspect quality, core, and remove loose leaves prior to being dropped in a bin where it is sorted to bin capacity. Bins are constructed and sorted directly on the trailer on a pallet. Bins may weigh up to 50 lbs. empty. Pallets may weigh up to 95 lbs. empty, only to be carried between two workers, and bins are assembled.

Specific to Dole, Top & Tail: Heavy field work to harvest romaine lettuce in preparation for value added processing. Manual cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting conveyor belt. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, the worker then determines the size and quality of the romaine lettuce to be harvested and using a harvesting knife, the employee bends at the waist, grasps produce and cuts the head from its roots. Employee then trims the outer leaves from the head and places head onto table. The process is repeated. The romaine is then topped and cored then carried down the belt where employees inspect quality, core, and remove loose leaves prior to being dropped in a bin where it is sorted to bin capacity. Bins are constructed and sorted directly on the trailer on a pallet. Bins may weigh up to 50 lbs. empty. Pallets may weigh up to 95 lbs. empty, only to be carried between two workers, and bins are assembled.

Agricultural Equipment Operators: under the direction of the supervisor the driver is responsible for supplying the tractor trailer/machine/forklift with packaging materials needed for specific packs, covering the completed pallets with a plastic liner to protect the finished cartons from inclement weather, loading and unloading produce boxes, assist in preparing the harvest machine for immediate field operation, or movement to a new location. Directing tractor/machine/forklift through the field, pulling loaded trailers out. Employee must conduct daily maintenance check prior to operating tractor/machine. Required to have basic knowledge of driving a tractor/machine/forklift, must pass tractor/machine/forklift safety training and demonstrate ability to operate tractor/machine/forklift in a safe manner.

See Addendum C.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience with the produce as defined in this application including harvest work. Specific requirements include lifting 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 bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk on uneven ground and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or housing.

See Addendum C.