Field Workers

Job description

Field Workers, Strawberry Harvest, Crew Leads; General Labor, Agricultural Equipment Operator, Machine Set-Up, Sanitation Worker, CalVan Driver: Strawberry Harvest to perform the following duties: All works is performed in the field and on the farm.

Strawberry Harvest: Field Workers will perform duties associated with and directly related to strawberry harvest, machine and ground. Workers will pick and pack strawberries in the field for fresh harvest, freezing, and juice. Distinguishing quality and ripeness are required during picking and placing in trays/packing containers in field. Workers will perform planting, replanting, flower pinching, runner cutting, weeding with long-handled hoes, stripping, row boss, puncher/quality control, loader/stacker, hoop plastic installation and tear down, general labor, general maintenance labor, and farm machine operator (colbies).

Crew Lead – Team Leaders will additionally be responsible for checking quality, filling out paperwork, and receiving order for production. May clock in other workers.

General Labor- Weeding using long-handled hoes, transplanting, runner cutting, plant thinning, and ranch maintenance, moving sprinkler pipe, assisting with irrigation, pulling plastic, applying & pulling of drip tape, cleaning of old and new vegetative growth on plant bed. Plant bed will be classified as “Medium” or “High” according to the number of runners and new/old vegetative growth present during performing work task.

Agricultural Equipment Operator – Tractor drivers will drive and control tractors in fields.

Machine Set-Up – Worker will check the machine for water and diesel; Put sticker on bags; Supply cartons for the day and put on the machine; Open or close machine; Put machine where crew will start; move trailer, drive tractor and caterpillar.

Sanitation Worker – Cleans, pressure washes, and moves restrooms on farms/fields.

Cal Van Driver- 1. Driver may drive over the road in passenger vans.
2. Driver will drive designated vans to transport harvest crew workers to and from housing and worksite locations. Driving job duty is not a different job and the drivers perform harvesting job duties when not driving.
3. Driver will be responsible for filling van with fuel and keeping vehicle clean.
4. Driver will be required to complete and process periodic driving reports as required by state laws.
5. Driver will be required to follow all traffic laws and if applicable, vanpool rules.
6. In order to drive, drivers must possess a valid authorized driver’s license and must be able to pass DOT (Department of Transportation) recognized medical exam and fulfill all other DOT requirements.
7. CalVans performs the medical exam at no cost to the employee or employer. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the registration as an FLCE driver (if any).

Drivers are compensated for these activities.
All employees engaged in driving activities (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license or commercial driver’s license (DL or CDL) on a voluntary basis. The DL/CDL is not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL/CDL or FLCE Certificate at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL/CDL or FLCE certificate.

Special Requirements

1 month of harvest experience in any of the commodities listed in this job order. Specific requirements include lifting up 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 frequent bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential 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.