Field Workers

Job description

Heavy field work to harvest broccoli and cauliflower. Broccoli and cauliflower employees cut, pack, bunch, and load fresh broccoli and cauliflower in the field. Cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting platform machine or belt. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, employees determine size and quality of the product to be harvested. Then, using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee grasps the produce, cuts the head from the roots and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be placed into a tote, bin or carton. Cutter places the product on a table or conveyor for the packer/sorter to either or combination of; sort, bunch or cut into florets and place into a tote, bin, or carton. Packers will secure empty containers from designated racks and fill the totes and cartons to specification. Product from conveyer will be packed into bins. Once totes or cartons are filled, they are pushed on to conveyor belt for loaders to close/cover and stack on the pallet. Product on conveyor falls into bins. The totes, bins and cartons for the product are constructed by unfolding and bending the material as designed to form a box. Totes, bins and cartons are labeled and marked as required. The process is repeated. The totes and cartons are lifted then stacked onto pallets on the deck of the harvester or trailer. Totes or cartons with product can weigh up to 50 lbs. Empty bins Pallets can weigh up to 95 lbs. and are lifted by a machine.

Row Boss: Will assist Foreman on all activities assigned by management ensuring successful operation. Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, quality of production, and efficient work practices. Employee will be responsible to implement and follow company policy, SOPs, and practices. Will enforce and follow GAP and Company Food Safety and Worker safety practices. Assist foremen with crew production, help ensure quality and quantify performance targets are met, employee retention, and administrative duties. Capable of following specific instructions to perform defined procedures. Assist in filling out paper such as load tags and delivery sheets. Ability to teach all crew members to understand quality production & daily production requests. Treat all employees with dignity and respect. The Row Boss will assist Foreman with daily breaks and lunch for all employees. Assist with maintaining break areas and bathrooms clean and stocked. Practices all safety regulations to ensure the safety of the crew members. Help foremen ensure clean and fresh water and shaded rest areas are available at all times. Will attend mandatory meetings and trainings as needed. The Row Boss is responsible for all crew activities and will assist foremen with leading daily warm-up exercises, informing office personal of new hires and rehires. Along with keeping track of absences and difficulties with work performance. Conduct Safety meetings with all crew members and submit documentation. Uses the companys time productively to ensure all equipment and materials required are ready prior to crew arrival. Ability to recognize dangerous situations and inform supervisors or management. Due to harvest seasonality factors, row boss may be rotated into harvest activities.

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.

Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, and other natural elements. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the period of employment. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.

See Addendum C.