Field Workers: Strawberries

Job description

*All packing duties are done in the field and on the farm*

1. Strawberry Harvester/Picker Job Description
General Purpose:

To pick and pack fresh strawberry following all food safety guidelines for human consumption.

Harvest Strawberries Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities
• This job is usually compensated by piece rate basis, but depending on field quality supervisor may choose to compensate hourly basis.
• Harvest berries in a safe, efficient manner, ensuring productivity and quality goals met or exceeded.
• Understand and adhere to all food safety practices and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in daily work and will satisfy all related training requirements, as required by the field supervisor.
• Strawberry harvesting is done by manual labor. Fresh berries are packed in 8-1 lb. clam shells that are placed in a carton box.
• Strawberry ring cutter is used to remove strawberry stem when harvesting canary berries and destemmed berries are packed in a 20-23 lbs. plastic box/crate.
• Separate strawberries according to size and uniformity and place in clam shells or crates.
• Appropriately mark their work or finished product with their worker ID, as directed.
• Pack and carry finished products to Quality Assurance personnel (checker)
• Hand to Quality control (checker) for inspection and get time card punch for count.
• Keep count of boxes harvested, ensuring accuracy of all counts.
• Safely and responsibly use any hand tools provided by New Century Farms, such as canary ring cutter, strawberry carts. Return carts at the end of the day.
Physical Requirements
• Tolerate extreme temperatures (especially heat) for 6-9 hours per day;
• Comply with requirements of protective clothing; (dressing in layers to accommodate change in climate)
• Work in an outdoor environment;
• Repetitively lift and carry items up to 25 lbs. maximum;
• Demonstrate good visual acuity, with an ability to identify weeds, pest, and fruit not ready to be harvest.
• Stand, sit, bend, kneel, stretch and squat for long periods of time;
• Demonstrate sufficient dexterity of hands, arms and fingers to be able to perform the principal responsibilities of the strawberry job duties, including harvest fruit which is ready to be harvested; to pack strawberries according to size, uniformity and place in containers without damaging the finished product.
• Remain focused while performing repetitive functions.
• Maintain enthusiasm, good attitude, honesty and a willingness to treat all co-workers with respect, despite challenging work conditions.

Key Competencies
• Attention to detail
• Follow Food Safety guidelines
• Listening skills
• Team work, work well with others
• Able to listen and follow instructions
• Able to follow and adhere to standard policies and procedures

2. Strawberry Planting Job Description

Strawberry planting Tasks and Responsibilities
• Safely and responsibly use any hand tools provided by New Century Farms
• Strawberry planting is a piece rate position, but depending on product quality it can be also be compensated hourly.
• Employee will pick up and carry a crate of strawberry roots weighing appx. 15 lbs.
• Employee places and pushes plant root into the hole made by the drilling machine on the strawberry bed.

See Addendum C.

Special Requirements

3 months experience in the strawberry industry is required. Workers must be able to lift up to 30 lbs frequently. No smoking or illegal weapons or controlled substances in the fields or in the houses. Cannot be color blind due to the need to distinguish colors of crops. Able to stoop, bend, and work in cold and wet conditions. Able to use tools. Safety use and training provided by employer. Workers must abide by Employer housing rules. Workers must be able to communicate in English or Spanish for training and safety purposes. . (i.e. Workers must listen to, understand and follow instructions of Employer supervisors and managers.)

See Addendum C.