Farmworker

Job description

Field Worker. Harvest Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and similar crops. Cut, bag, pack, and load fresh produce in the field of the correct quality, size and weight. Continual visual examination of produce to determine if product is right for harvesting. Cutting is done on harvesting machine by using hands and cutting knife. Using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee cuts the head from the roots and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be packed into a carton, bag, tote or bin. Place commodity into appropriate packing box. Place completed packed product onto moving equipment, such as conveyors. Mark cartons by using marking tools. Examine and inspect containers, packaging material and product to ensure that packing specifications are met. Stack 25 lb boxes from the conveyor to the pallets. Employees may be required to lift empty pallets weighing 45 lbs. The process is repeated. Workers will not perform weeding activities by hand in a stooped, kneeling or squatting position.

Machine Operator. Qualifying workers may operate specialized machinery after undergoing several hours of safety training and passing a hands-on tractor driving exam. Responsible for general operation of tractors and machines under the supervision of the Supervisor/Foreperson. Qualifying workers must demonstrate willingness, basic knowledge of driving a tractor and the ability to operate agricultural machinery in a safe manner. Tractor drivers will be responsible for movement of tractors and machinery in and around ranches with or without loaded attachments. Hitch and unhitching attachments. Sit for long periods of time. Operate breaks, gears, pedals, reading gauges and steering controls while driving. Refuel and maintain tractor operations to ensure optimum performance. Conduct daily maintenance checks prior to operating the tractor. Reports break downs and understands and abides by safety procedures and performance standards.

Driver. Qualifying candidates may also drive vehicles to assist company with transportation of workers. Driving will involve picking up workers to and from different housing sites and the daily assigned work sites and at the end of the day. Drivers are also responsible for filling the vehicle with gasoline, keeping it clean and completion of required documentation. Drivers must possess a valid state driver license, must be able to pass a medical exam and register as an FLCE driver. The employer will be responsible for the cost of the state driver license, medical exam and registration as an FLCE driver. All employees in this position will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver license and register as an FLCE driver on a voluntary basis. The DL and FLCE Certificate are not a condition of employment.

Working Conditions, Equipment and Safety. Employer will provide tools and equipment necessary to perform all required tasks at no cost to the worker. Work is performed outdoors and can involve exposure to extreme temperatures, bright sunlight, cloudy, windy or rainy conditions, mud and dust, low light or darkness and other natural elements. The work may entail exposure to plant pollens, insects, snakes, rodents, noxious plants and/or plant materials that have been treated with insect and/or disease control spray. Workers must walk in variable soil conditions. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the working conditions described. Workers must abide by all food safety policies and safety procedures. Workers must adhere to all health and safety rules, including Covid-19 preventative measures, social distancing, usage of masks and other safety directives required by the employer or state law. Employees must use protective clothing and equipment.

Special Requirements

Qualifying workers must have one month of agricultural experience. All qualified applicants must have the authorization to work in the United States, be willing to perform the agricultural duties as described in this job
order and be able to meet the physical demands of the position and the employer's work schedule with or without reasonable accommodation.

See Addendum C.