Field Workers (spinach)

Job description

Heavy field work to harvest spinach, tender leaf: Employees spot check, sort, stack, fill and load spinach, tender leaf in the field. Spotting is done by walking in uneven furrows in front of a harvesting platform machine or belt. Under the direction of the field supervisor employees check for any foreign material such as trash and move irrigation pipe from one furrow to another. The harvest machine or belt then cuts produce and transporters it thru a conveyor where employees sort and fill totes and or bins. Once totes, cartons or bins are filled they are pushed on to conveyor belt for loaders to close/cover and stack on the pallet. The cartons or totes for the product are constructed by unfolding and bending the material as designed to form a box. Carton is labeled and marked as required. The process is repeated. The cartons, totes or bins are lifted then stacked onto pallets on the deck of the harvester or trailer. Cartons or totes with product can weigh up to 50 lbs. Empty bins pallets can weigh up to 95 lbs.; a forklift carries the empty bin pallets onto a trailer.

Agricultural Equipment Operator: under the direction of the supervisor the driver is responsible for supplying the tractor trailer/machine/forklift with packaging materials needed for specific packs, covering the completed pallets with a plastic liner to protect the finished cartons from inclement weather, loading and unloading produce bins, assist in preparing the harvest machine for immediate field operation, or movement to a new location. Directing tractor/machine/forklift through the field, pulling loaded trailers out. Employee must conduct daily maintenance check prior to operating tractor/machine/forklift. Required to have basic knowledge of driving a tractor/machine/forklift, must pass tractor/machine/forklift safety training and demonstrate ability to operate tractor/machine/forklift in a safe manner.

Sanitation Work: The sanitation worker is responsible for ensuring all harvest equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized daily following standards operating procedures for equipment cleaning. Must be able to read chemical labels or safety data sheets (SDS) to learn how to properly handle chemicals used. Incorporate special or rotational cleaning duties into daily schedules for specialized cleaning or sanitation that might not occur every day. Report any atypical situations in the growing areas to supervisor. This work requires an able bodied person to lift up to 50 lbs., stand, walk, bend, twist, pull, push, reach, climb, overhead work, kneeling, crawling and walk on uneven ground all day, wear clothes and shoes appropriate for working conditions, ability to take instructions and follow them, use safety equipment correctly. Employee, with proper licensing and accepted driving record, may drive the sanitation truck. Required basic knowledge of driving a tractor, forklift and harvesting machines, must pass a tractor, forklift and machine safety training and demonstrate ability to operate the equipment in a safe manner.

Cal Van Driver Specifications: responsible for transporting workers from housing sites and pick up points to take to work sites and back, processing paper work, inspections of vehicle fueling of and cleaning of vehicle. The employer assures that the drivers are paid, at a minimum the AEWR for actual driving time, processing paper work, cleaning and fueling of vehicle. CalVan drivers are to preform duties related to the harvesting when not driving. Employee may drive Cal Van on public roads. In order to drive a Cal Van, Employees must possess valid drivers’ license (state issued) and must be able to pass Class B Physical exam and register as an FLCE driver. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the California Driver’s License, Class B Physical Exam, and registration as an FLCE driver (if any).

See Addendum C.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience with the produce as defined in this application including harvest work. Specific requirements include lifting 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 bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk on uneven ground and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or 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.