Field Workers

Job description

Field Workers (Strawberry, Tomato, Blueberry, Broccolini and Chard/Kale), General Labor, Agricultural Equipment Operators, Machine Set-up, Sanitation Workers and CalVan Driver 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.

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.

Missing Broccolini Harvest: Field worker to harvest broccolini. Cut, bunch, pack and load fresh broccoli in the field. 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. 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.

Chards/Kale Harvest: Field worker to harvest chards/kale. 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 leafs 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. The cartons or totes have a specific count or weight requirement.

Special Requirements

1 month of experience in fruit or vegetable harvest in any of the commodities listed. Specific requirements include lifting up 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.