Vineyard Laborer
Employer
8601 Slade Road
Harborcreek, PA 16421
United States
Job description
The Vineyard Laborers will do the following: Crops/Commodities: Grape (winter pruning). Manage vineyard canopy to permit light and air circulation. Thin fruit and remove shoots, leaves and vines. Grape vines can only be pruned when they are barren of foliage. Perform vineyard maintenance: activities including but not limited to, pruning, tying, weed control, layering, planting, trellis installation and repair. Install and maintain bird netting. Assist/move previously harvested fruit from field to processing area. Must possess the requisite skills and knowledge of what, when where and how much to prune on a grape vine. Identify and remove the proper canes and vines while retaining the fruiting wood and renewal spurs. Must demonstrate and consistently utilize pruning practices that assure vine balance and preserve vine health. Install/maintain irrigation systems and water lines. Move and install irrigation pipes and equipment. Dig and maintain ditches. Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protectants. Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate, and crop conditions. Workers must operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer’s products, and property. Bending, stooping, and kneeling required. Use hand tools including but not limited to hoes, shovels, trowels, pick irons, hammers, wire tighteners, pruning shears, clippers, loppers, and saws. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Perform general Winter maintenance: perform snow removal from pathways, roadways, and roads owned and operated by the Szklenski Vineyards, LLC vineyard operation. De-ice and repair water pipes / heating systems as pertains to jobs related to vineyard operation. Repair and maintain vineyard equipment (snow equipment, skid steers, and trucks. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements. Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision. Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a workers 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.
Special Requirements
This job requires a minimum of 1 month of agricultural experience handling both manual and mechanized tasks associated with production of grapes. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. No minimum education required. Wage rate may increase with verifiable experience. Employer may reward exceptional work with monetary or other benefits in addition to those listed here in his sole discretion.