Apple Harvesting & Apple Tree Pruning

Job description

The worker will perform job duties as assigned by supervisor. They will vary from time to time depending on crop ripening and weather. The work is temporary and will last from August to December.

Apple Harvesting-The worker will position a ladder as close to the tree and climb to harvest the apples. The apples are harvested by grabbing the apple and gently rolling it upward toward the spur until the fruit comes off. The fruit is then placed in a picking sack until it is filled to the rim. The worker will then carry the sack to the closest bin to dump out the fruit. The worker then positions the full apple picking sack just above the apples in the bin. Next, the worker releases the closing apparatus to open the bottom of the apple picking bag. The worker will rest it gently on the apples in the bin. Then, slowly lift the apple picking bag, while carefully drawing ti over the top of the bin. The picked apples are gently placed on top of the apples in the bin.

Pruning of Apple Trees- The worker will use pruning clippers with an adjustable length to prune the apple trees. The worker must cut all vertical, horizontal, sucker shoots, branches growing downward off the main branches, crowded branches, and dead branches of the apple tree.

Farm Equipment and Vehicle Operation-The workers may need to use various farm equipment and vehicles to transport him/herself or other workers to and throughout the orchard to perform the apple harvesting work. The workers must use safety and precaution when using the farm equipment and vehicles. All passengers must be seated and practice safety and precaution when using the farm equipment and vehicles. The passengers must wait to exit the farm equipment and vehicles when the driver comes to a complete stop and gets off the vehicle. The workers will keep the farm equipment and vehicles free of trash. The workers may also need to transport workers to and from work each day from the employer provided housing and serve as a team leader. Only properly licensed drivers will be permitted to operate the farm equipment and vehicles. Workers must take care to operate all equipment safely and follow all safety requirements outlined by the employer.

The worker must be able to work outside for 6 hours a day in all kinds of weather including, but not limited to extreme cold and hot conditions, direct sunlight, and rain. Workers must have the required physical strength and endurance to repeat the process rapidly and skillfully involved in this type of work. Workers will perform prolonged walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying 0-80 lbs. Due to the nature of this type of work, there will be a Probationary Period of six (6) days beginning on the first day of employment for the employee to acclimate to the job specifications listed under the Job Descriptions and Requirements. The worker will be given specific instructions as to how to properly perform the work specified in the Job Description and Requirements Section on the first day of work. Workers who do not perform the work as specified in the Job Description and Requirements Section may be terminated.

The employer will provide the tools necessary to perform the described job duties without charge to the worker. The employer will charge the worker for reasonable costs related to the workers refusal or negligent failure to return the tools or due to such workers willful damage or destruction of the tools.

Special Requirements

The worker must be responsible and consistent on the job. The worker must be able to lift 80 lbs. continuously throughout the day and work in all kinds of weather. The worker must have 3 months verifiable experience in fruit or vegetable commercial hand harvesting and fruit tree pruning.