Citrus Hand Harvesters

Job description

Citrus Harvesting: Workers will perform assigned duties as instructed by their supervisor. Duties may vary from time to time. Following the Supervisors instructions, the worker will place a picking sack over their shoulder and carry a 18' to 20' ladder from the field truck to the particular area of the grove to be harvested. The picking sack is a canvas bag equipped with a shoulder strap for support, an opening for the insertion of fruit, and an opening to remove fruit. A fully loaded sack weighs between approximately 80 and 100 pounds, depending upon the size, condition and variety of fruit. Worker positions ladder against the tree and within reach of the fruit in a leaning position, taking care not to break limbs, damage the tree, knock off fruit, or interfere with other workers, in a secure position to prevent slipping or falling and possible injury to themselves or other workers. Worker will remove fruit from the tree and place into pick sack. When pick sack is full take full sack to fruit tub located in the grove and drop fruit from pick sack into tub. In order to perform this kind of work, worker must be able to work outside for at least 6 hours a day in all kinds of weather and be in possession of the requisite physical strength and endurance to repeat the picking process rapidly, working quickly and skillfully with their hands, and carrying a large number of sacks of fruit from the area in which the fruit is being harvested to the location of the tub.

General Farm Labor/ Clean-up of Grove Property and Housing for Harvesting Workers: Workers on physical work restrictions or when harvesting work is not available may be required to perform miscellaneous clean-up work on grove property, on structures utilized in the grove operation, and on housing for harvesting workers. Such clean-up activities include the sprouting, pruning, and painting of trees; debris, weed, and vine removal; irrigation repair; housing and structure cleaning and repair; and general grove clean-up as required. Workers will be paid the highest of the adverse effect wage rate, the prevailing wage rate, or the applicable minimum wage rate for time spent performing such clean-up work. May be necessary to assist in the use and repair of farm equipment such as tractors, trucks, Goats/Loaders, buses, trailers, and harvest machinery, etc.

Weeding: Workers will remove weeds by use of a hoe from the walk-way and remove all weeds growing around plants by hand. Workers will remove weeds from the growing area, by raking piles of debris and dispose of it as instructed.

Sanitation Requirements: For food and general safety purposes, all workers will be required and expected to follow common sanitary practices at all times. This is particularly critical when working in agricultural crops for human consumption. Employees are required to cleanse their hands by washing them thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before entering the fields. All workers must report all injuries and illnesses to their employer. As well any communicable diseases such as but not limited to diarrhea, or any other infectious disease or illness. Workers shall report immediately any cuts or abrasions that cause open bleeding. No tobacco, food, gum, candy, drink (other than water) or medication is allowed while working in the field. No jewelry, watches or fingernails longer than 1/8" are allowed. No open toe shoes or sandals are permitted. Glass bottles, drinking glasses, or any item made from glass are prohibited in the field. Improper hygiene will not be tolerated. Throw the used bathroom tissue into the toilet every time, then flush the toilet. Keep the restrooms, rest areas and portable facilities in the field clean for others.

Special Requirements

None