Field Workers

Job description

All Commodities:

In the field on the farm: Workers may cut, carry, bag, pack, and seal multiple pack styles simultaneously and load fresh product in the field. May operate, wash, maintain and inspect tractors and harvest machines in the field.

Workers will work receive specific instructions on required tasks and results expected. Work will be closely monitored by Forepersons, Field Supervisors, and/or Customers. Workers are expected and responsible to meet and complete production demands according to the company’s quality, sanitation, and food safety standards.

Daily work and crew assignments are made by and at the discretion of the supervisor(s) based on Company need and/or production demand. Workers may be permanently or temporarily moved or assigned to another crew and/or positions within a crew as needed to complete the production demand, worker relief, assistance, or other justified reason with the guidelines of the program.

Workers are expected to perform and complete the assigned tasks in a professional and efficient manner while keeping up with the pace of the crew. Workers must be willing, able, qualified and available to complete the assigned job duties, and may be tailored with reasonable modifications if needed. Crew and position changes may not be changed without Foreman/Supervisor consent and/or reasonable cause.

Workers may occasionally harvest and/or pack product without harvesting machine assistance (on the ground). Such work will be performed during harvesting machine transfer from one end of a field or furrow to another and/or during non-scheduled maintenance on equipment. Workers may be required to lift products up to 60 - 90lbs., and also be required to bend, lift, twist, push and pull to complete the task.

ARTICHOKE HARVEST OPERATIONS

Cutting is done by walking throughout the fields on uneven furrows. The cutter determines the size, length and quality of the product to be harvested according to quality and size specifications as provided by foreman. Then, using a small harvesting knife and reaching over or bending at the waist, the worker cuts at the specified stem length and using a slight backwards tossing motion places the artichoke into the basket carried on the worker’s back. Carries the loaded bag to the end of the row and places it onto the trailer or harvest machine for dumping. If necessary, discards rotting and/or over-ripened artichokes. Artichoke bags can weight up to 90 lbs. and are carried for up to 80% of the time while harvesting.

The dumper receives baskets full of artichokes from either the trailer or pickers. Loads baskets onto the platform of the harvest machine by safely stacking baskets on top of each other. Dumps baskets of artichokes onto the conveyor belt and returns empty baskets to the machine floor by stacking baskets on top of each other for pickers to grab and continue harvesting. The process is repeated. If needed, helps harvesting until packing begins and will maintain the machine clean and pick-up trash in the surrounding areas. Baskets with product can weigh up to 90 lbs.

The packer selects artichokes from the conveyor belt, further examining and determining the size and quantity required per pack style specifications to either or combination of; pack into carton boxes or plastic totes, place in plastic bags, place stickers, add rubber band tags or pack according to the pack style specified by the Sales Department. The packer selects a box from the overhead compartment and marks the box with a crayon marker indicating the pack style contained. Places a protective sheet of paper on top, fold box tabs down to close the box, and push the box onto a conveyor that transports the carton to the trailer to be loaded. When needed, the field packer may assist in harvesting operations until enough artichokes have been picked and/or accommodate the harvesting machine with packing materials.

See Addendum C.

Special Requirements

3 months of agricultural experience in any of the commodities harvested in this job order. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements include lifting up to 80-90 pounds frequently. Must be able to carry an artichoke bag that weighs 80-90 pounds for up to 80% of the time; must be 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 sun, rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves frequent kneeling, turning, reaching, squatting, bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. Must be able to operate handheld devices. No smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.

See Addendum C.