Farmworker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
blueberries and blackberries.
Blueberry Harvesting:
Each worker will be assigned a picking badge for identification and for clocking in and out during the workday. The worker will keep the picking badge throughout the workday. Each worker will be given 2-4 buckets. Workers will move down assigned rows picking all ripe berries, placing them in buckets. Once full, each bucket weights approximately 6 lbs. When buckets are filled, the worker will immediately carry the bucket to the picking wagon. At the picking wagon, workers will dump each filled bucket into a lug where the worker will sort through the harvested berries and remove any berries that do not meet the companys quality/food safety standards. Each lug will then be inspected by the workers supervisor to see if worker is following the companies operating procedures and quality control requirements. The worker will receive credit for the bucket picked once the Supervisor has inspected and approved the lug. Any lugs that are not approved by the Supervisor will be returned to the worker to be re-graded. Workers fruit that has passed inspection will then be stacked on a pallet.

Blackberry Harvesting:
Each worker will be assigned a picking badge for identification to the workers employment number. The worker will keep the picking badge throughout the workday. Each worker must place a pre-printed numeric sticker to each box. The numeric sticker roll will be assigned to the worker by the supervisor. Packed boxes will not be accepted without the sticker. Upon arrival to the field each worker will get two boxes with clam shells. Workers will move down to the assigned rows picking all ripe berries, grading berries in the field while harvesting, taking care to sort and pack containers by size, shape, color, quality, and quantity as directed by the supervisor. Each worker must pick the plants clean of all ripe fruit, sort and pack all good berries into specified containers within the box, according to very high-quality standards set forth in the company's food safety policy and standard operating procedures. Bad berries will be packed or disposed of as determined by the supervisor. Each worker shall handle berries carefully to avoid bruising. Bruising will weaken the berry. Each harvesting worker is expected to move with the crew from row to row to maintain the efficiency level.

Upon completion of each box picked, the worker will take his/her completed box to the crate shed or receiving to be viewed for grade, palletized and receive credit on his/her picking badge. Any containers that are over or under packed will be returned to the worker for repacking. Upon completion of the assigned row, the worker will move to the next vacant row to be picked. It may be required to field pack berries in the field. Harvester may receive disciplinary notice if quality continues to be an issue. At the end of the workday, workers will keep picking badge for the next workday.

Hand-Harvesting Processing Blackberries: Each worker will be assigned a picking badge for identification to the workers employment number. The worker will keep the picking badge throughout the work day. As instructed by the supervisor, worker will move down picking all ripe blackberries and discarding any bad berries that show evidence of rot or insect damage.

Hand Harvesting Juice Blackberries: Each worker will be assigned a picking badge for identification to the workers employment number. The worker will keep the picking badge throughout the work day. As instructed by the supervisor, worker will move down picking all ripe blackberries and discarding any bad berries that show evidence of rot or insect damage. Berries should go into the harvesting bucket. Buckets are then taken to crate shed or receiving truck at the end of the row and new bucket is obtained. At the end of the workday, workers will keep badge for the next work day.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 1 month of agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 100 lbs. Employer-paid pre-employment and post-hire drug testing required.