Field Worker (strawberry)

Job description

Field Workers: Strawberry to perform the following duties:

Field worker to harvest strawberry. Strawberries: Workers will perform duties associated with and directly related to strawberry harvest work, including but not limited to picking and packing in the field. Pick strawberries growing in the field and place in a picking box. Distinguish quality and ripeness is required during picking and place in tray/packing containers in the field. When the box if filled, carry the box to the end of the row to be picked up and loaded by other workers. Retrieve an empty box and return to the place in the field where picked. Resume picking berries and placing them in the box. Pickers will also be involved in bed set up. Planting and plant clean up. Stacker will stack boxes/crates on pallets, transfer strawberry boxes/craps from HP bank to inspection table, prepare empty harvest boxes for harvester by placing empty baskets, stamp grower seal on all harvested boxes prior to transporting into the cooler and performs all other duties associated to strawberry crew.

Plant cleaning: weeding using long-handled hoes and by hand, pulling plastic, pulling of drip tape, plant/field maintenance, cleaning of old and new vegetative growth on plant bed. Plant bed will be classified as Medium or High according to the amount of runners and new/old vegetative growth present during performing work task. Weeding by hand is occasional/intermittent (less than 20% of weekly work time). Employer complies with the California health and safety rules applicable to hand weeding.

For worksites, Black Rd and Main Street, A Street North, and 1995 A Street, the employees will conduct all harvest – fresh/freezer, runner cutting, weeding, planting, de-blossom. 

Planting:  Carry a bag/box with plant to the work area. Place plant in ground in the perforated hole and cover up with dirt using hand. Remove weeds from rows by hand. Remove flower from the flower with scissor. Cutting runner with scissor. Other duties may be assigned. 

Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties.  Such work will be temporary and unsubstantial agricultural labor.

Special Requirements

1 month of strawberry harvest experience. Specific requirements include lifting up 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 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.