Field Workers

Job description

Field Workers, General Labor, CalVan Driver, Tractor Driver: Strawberry, Blueberry, Broccolini, Kale, Chard, Tomato Harvest to perform the following duties: All works is performed in the field and on the farm.

Job Description:

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 is 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).

Blueberry Harvest: Field Workers will perform duties associated with and directly related to blueberry harvest work, including but not limited to picking blueberries in field for fresh market and freezing/juicing; planting; weeding with long-handled hoes; pulling plastic; pruning; bed up; distinguishing quality and ripeness.

Broccolini Harvest: Field worker to harvest broccolini. Cut, bunch, pack and load fresh broccoli in the field on the farm. Cutting is done on harvesting machine by using hands and cutting knife. Using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee cuts the stalk from the roots to prepare it to be packed into a carton, a tote or a bin in the field on the farm. The process is repeated. Worker is responsible for cleaning of equipment and maintenance of field (picking up trash, weeding (using a long-handled hoe), hoeing (using a long handle hoe), moving equipment, moving of irrigation pipes and drip tape. Pre and Post-Harvest clean up.

Tomato Harvest: Field worker to harvest tomato. Use of shovels or long-handled hoes and cutting plastic to prepare ground; stake (staking requires frequently lifting tool that weighs 12-18 pounds to drive stake into the ground), plant, prune (using pruning shears), trellising, stalking, top and defoliate plants; weed using a long-handled hoe and hands if close to the plant (hand weeding is occasional and less than 20% of weekly work time), tie tomato vines to stakes using twine, and pick tomatoes (bend or reach to pick tomatoes from vines and place cartons that weigh up to 50 pounds), pack agricultural product in boxes and assist with irrigation, recover field equipment, such as plastic coverings and stakes in the field on the farm. In connection with field work only, may operate equipment such as tractors to plant, harvest and cultivate crop. Workers will work under close supervision and are given specific task instructions while performing routine field work activities as defined above. Workers will exercise limited discretion and work activities are closely monitored by field supervisors. Workers may perform other minor work incidental to the primary job duties which will be agricultural in nature and insubstantial compared to the time spent on the primary job duties.

Kale/Chard Harvest: Field worker to harvest Kale/Chard Cutting is done by kneeling on beds next to a machine or without a machine. The employee determines the size and quality of the product to be harvested. Then, using a harvesting hand knife, the employee cuts the appropriate amount of product from its roots, cleans by hand the defective leaves and trims the stems. The product may then be tied, sleeved or banded before being packed or placed into a box/tote or placed on a belt in the field on the farm. The cartons or totes have a specific count or weight requirement.

Special Requirements

1 month of experience in vegetable harvest in any of the commodities listed. Specific requirements include lifting up to 30-55 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.

See addendum C.