Field Workers (broccoli)

Job description

Heavy field work to harvest broccoli. Broccoli employees cut, pack, bunch, and load fresh broccoli in the field. Cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting platform machine or belt. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, employees determine size and quality of the product to be harvested. Then, using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee grasps the produce, cuts the head from the roots and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be placed into a tote, bin or carton. Cutter places the product on a table or conveyor for the packer/sorter to either or combination of; sort, bunch or cut in to florets and place into a tote, bin or carton. Packers will secure empty containers from designated racks and fill the totes and cartons to specification. Product from conveyer will be packed in to bins. Once totes or cartons are filled they are pushed on to conveyor belt for loaders to close/cover and stack on the pallet. Product on conveyor falls in to bins. The totes, bins and cartons for the product are constructed by unfolding and bending the material as designed to form a box. Totes, bins and cartons are labeled and marked as required. The process is repeated. The totes and cartons are lifted then stacked onto pallets on the deck of the harvester or trailer. Totes or cartons with product can weigh up to 50 lbs. Empty bins Pallets can weigh up to 95 lbs.

Agricultural Equipment Operator: under the direction of the supervisor the driver is responsible for supplying the tractor trailer/machine with packaging materials needed for specific packs, covering the completed pallets with a plastic liner to protect the finished cartons from inclement weather, assist in preparing the harvest machine for immediate field operation, or movement to a new location. Directing tractor/machine through the field, pulling loaded trailers out. Employee must conduct daily maintenance check prior to operating tractor/machine. Required to have basic knowledge of driving a tractor/machine, must pass tractor/machine safety training and demonstrate ability to operate tractor/machine 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 paperwork, 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 paperwork, cleaning and fueling of vehicle. Cal Van 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). All employees in this position (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license (DL) and register as an FLCE driver on a voluntary basis. The Driver’s License and FLCE Certificate are not a pre-hire job requirement. No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a Driver’s License or FLCE Certificate at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL or FLCE Certificate.

Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties such as cleaning up farms before during and after harvest, picking up trash, discarding cartons and assisting as safety monitor when equipment is turning in the field to begin a new pass.

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.