Horticultural Worker 1

Job description

Harvest: Ripe tomatoes are removed from vine. The ends of the stem of the harvested tomatoes is snipped. The harvest clippers are to be disinfected after each plant. Harvested product is placed into harvest container neatly and organized, without damaging fruit. Harvest carts are operated up and down row as ripe product is removed from vine. Once all harvest containers on cart are filled, cart is sent to pack house and, another cart is started. Any waste tomatoes on floor are to be picked up and placed in waste containers under harvest cart. Damaged or rotten fruit still on the vine are to be removed and place in waste bin. Proper precautions are to be taken not to damage vines during harvest. Harvest requires walking on uneven ground through the day, as well as occasionally standing on rail pipe system. Cut resistant gloves are required while harvesting. Worker must scan each row and cart with assigned reader. Worker must be able to determine color.

Cutting Leafs: Three leaves are removed from each tomato vine using a special de-leafing knife. All cuts are to be clean and flush with the stem, not leaving any stumps or rough wounds. De-leafing knife is to be disinfected after each plant. Any bottom sucker growth is to be removed. If plants are down or strings are cut plants must be lifted back up to crop support wire. All crop debris is to be placed under cultivation gutter. Any observed errors in the irrigation system are to be fixed or reported to direct supervisor. Any stems that are empty or dead are to be cut at string and base of stem, dead or empty stems are then to be placed below cultivation gutter. Leafing requires operating and working of moving platform about 3 foot elevated. Leafing requires standing all day. Cut resistant gloves are required while leafing.Worker must scan each row with assigned reader.

Special Requirements

a. Workers must be able to demonstrate that they are physically able to perform the work as described.
b. The employer will provide 5 days of training and/or allow 10 days of work for worker to reach production standards if applicable.
c. Production Standards (if applicable): After completion of training or break-in period, employer will expect worker to: pick 72bxs/hr or cut 2182 leafs/hr
d. Employer may require worker to perform any available general farmwork if the guarantee in section 17a is invoked.
e. Employer may terminate worker with timely notification to the NPC and DHS, if the worker:
1) Refuses, without cause, to perform work for which the worker was recruited and hired;
2) Commits serious acts of misconduct;
3) Fails, after completing any training or break-in period, to reach production standards (if applicable); or
4) Abandons Job (Job Abandonment) is absent for five consecutive previously scheduled days without prior notification to employer.