Orchard Worker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
Apples, peaches, pears, plums, pumpkins, squash, sweet corn.
Pick crops including but not limited to apples, peaches, pears and plums from trees for fresh market. Workers must be physically able to pick tree fruit, most of which is done from ladders, with lower branches being picked from ground. Picked fruit is placed in a metal-framed canvas covered picking bucket with canvas straps that slip over the head and rest on the shoulders. Filled bucket, weighing up to 40 lbs., is emptied into bulk bins. When necessary, workers are required to handle and pick from ladders up to 14 ft. in length and weighing 25 to 40 pounds. Worker places ladder firmly against or within tree in a secure position so as not to break limbs or knock off fruit and to prevent slipping or falling. All fruit must be handled with care to avoid bruising. Each tree will be picked according to instructions given each day by the orchard foreman. Primary duty will be to harvest fruit; however other duties may be offered including hand thinning fruit, picking roots, rocks and other debris, mulching, pruning, cutting shoots and suckers, raking cuttings and debris, inserting/removing tree spreaders, pulling or cutting thorny plants, weeds and vines from around trees (some weeds may be noxious), hand placement of rodent baits around trees, cleaning and clearing fence rows and farm buildings. May operate and help maintain hand-operated equipment, such as loppers, trimmers and shears. Employer expects workers to work with or without supervision at such tasks.

Must be able to safely maneuver ladders up to 14 feet in length on steep and uneven terrain. Must be experienced in distinguishing between apple varieties and be able to spot pick trees for acceptable color. Field supervision monitors workers to ensure fruit is not bruised in picking. Must be able to sort out fruit with defects.

Tasks include harvesting crops including but not limited to pumpkins, squash and sweet corn. Propagates plants. May spread plastic or other ground covering. Weeds, thins, plants. Picks, cuts, lifts, or pulls crop to harvest them.

Work is to be done for long periods of time. Workers should be able to work on their feet in bent positions for long periods of time. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers' ability to perform the job. Workers are exposed to wet weather early in the morning through the heat of the day, working in fields. Temperatures may range from 40 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Workers should be physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations.

In addition, workers may be required to perform variable tasks such as the following: irrigation, ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, weeding and other tasks related to general farming.

Persons seeking employment as experienced orchard worker must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Successful applicants will be subject to a trial period of up to five days during which their performance of required tasks will be evaluated. If the performance during the trial period is not acceptable to the employer the worker‘s employment will be terminated.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker's Sabbath or federal holidays. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time.

TERMINATION. All workers will be subject to a five-day trial period, during which the employer will evaluate workers' performance of required tasks.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of three months of verifiable agricultural employment experience, preferably on a fruit or vegetable farm. Applicants must be able to furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third party documentation from recent employer(s) establishing acceptable prior experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs.