Vineyard Workers

Job description

*All job duties will be performed in the field and on a farm*

Summary

Labor services including, specifically grape foremen, tractor drivers, planting, weeding, tying, leafing, moving wires, clean-up, pruning and other cultural practices, as well as any other related agricultural operation in fields. During April through August workers will perform the following activities: Suckering, shoot thinning, wire moving, leaf pulling, and other cultural activities.

Fieldwork begins in January with pruning and proceeds to tying and leafing. If the company isn’t doing much capitol development (preparing new vineyards or replanting old vineyards), then there is usually a short work stoppage. Workers will resume work as the vines show more growth and need more canopy management and wires moved.

Pruning - January through February
• Prune vines in manner directed
• Drag vines out of row
• Stack in large piles
• Other requirements might be added as per the grape variety or tools being used

Physical Demands
• 60 or more hand contractions per minute using pruning shears
• Grasping vines and pulling them out of plant
• Dragging vines up to 1500 feet
• Lifting vines up to shoulder height to place in pile
• Walking and standing throughout the work shift
• Must be able to work in cold, damp and foggy conditions
• Walking on uneven ground

Tying and Leafing - February through April
Ties growing vines to horizontal wires to guide vine growth.
• Pulls leaves to manage canopy for optimal grape cluster growth.

Physical Demands
• Constant small hand movements to tie vines to wires
• Holds arms out anywhere from knee height to above shoulder height
• Grasping with fingers and pulling leaves
• Walking and standing throughout the work shift
• Must be able to work in cold, damp and foggy conditions
• Must be able to work in hot and humid conditions
• Walking on uneven ground
Moving Wires
Lift the lowest wire on each side of the row of vines to the highest level to keep the growth vertical.

Physical Demands
• Uses large muscle groups to lift the wire
• Walking and standing throughout the work shift
• Must be able to work in cold, damp and foggy conditions
• Must be able to work in hot and humid conditions
• Walking on uneven ground

See addendum C.

Special Requirements

3 months of wine grape or vineyard experience. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements include lifting up to 40-50 pounds frequently. 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 sun, rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves standing and walking on uneven ground throughout work shift, sitting for long periods of time, and repetitive stooping and bending. No smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing. Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to sun, 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.