Farmworker/laborer

Job description

FARM LABORER: Worker will be required to perform a variety of tasks under supervision in vineyard and orchard operation.

Pruning: Worker will be required to prune numerous varieties of grape vines and cherry trees according to established company procedures based on the difference in the treatment of different varieties. Worker must possess or acquire pruning skills in order to identify and remove stubs or broken branches, downward-growing branches, branches which rub against each other, shaded interior branches, dead wood and shoots/suckers and diseased vines/branches. Worker will use hand shears and loppers. Worker will remove pruned branches from the trees. Workers will pull branches into drive
row for removal or chopping as instructed by employer. Worker will perform pruning on vines/trees for long periods of time.
If snow is present, worker will need to push snow away from vines and trees to complete tasks.

Trellis system maintenance and repair: Worker will complete tasks to maintain and repair trellis in vineyards. Tasks include replacement of anchor post, end angle post and inline posts, repairing or replacing trellis wiring, re-tying vines to new trellis system. Tools will be used such as drill, cable cutters, shovel and posthole digger. Post will be drilled to install wire. Vine support will then be installed. Anchor posts are heavy and require help of two people to install properly. Worker will work with another worker to lift posts up to 100lbs.

Training Vines: Worker will hand tie grape vines using wire-band to train vines to grow in correct direction. Employer will provide additional training for this task.

Tractor Driving: Worker may be required to drive tractors and other agricultural vehicles including UTV/ATV. Employer will provide additional training for this task.

Vineyard/Orchard Maintenance: Worker will complete vineyard and orchard maintenance tasks to include weeding, thinning, staking vines, training trees, picking up garbage, picking up sticks and rocks up to 50 pounds and other hand tasks. Worker performs vineyard canopy management to permit light and air to circulate around grapevines, including thinning fruit and removing shoots, leaves and vines. Worker will select and remove clusters as needed, as directed by supervisor. Worker may be required to hedge upper canopy by hand. Worker will conduct replacement, removal and general maintenance of bird netting and deer fencing.

Vehicle Driving: If worker is eligible to drive under Michigan law, Employer may require worker to drive Employer-provided vehicle to and from the worksite and to other locations within 40 miles as directed. Worker must understand and agree to driving rules, as outlined in work rules below.

Pay will be hourly.

Special Requirements

Experience Requirement : 1 verifiable month of commercial agriculture experience in fruit required. Applicants must furnish job references from recent employers within the last 3 years establishing acceptable prior experience.

Season Commitment: Job offered requires worker be available for and worker agrees to work every day that work is available for entire employment period.

Worker must be able to perform job description duties in safe manner consistent with established safety procedures.

Field work begins at assigned time shortly after daylight. Work may be scheduled during moderate rain, in high humidity, when trees are wet with dew/rain, and in temperatures as low as 10 degrees F and up to 100 degrees F. Worker should have suitable clothing for variable weather conditions .