Orchard Worker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
apples.
This job requires a minimum of three months of prior agricultural field work experience, performing manual tasks associated with production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all assigned tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

Planting: Propagate plants by placing buds/scions. Plant seedlings or 'liners' by hand or with mechanical planter. Clear cull stock, brush and debris. Dig holes and shovel dirt.

Fruit tree pruning
Workers may also be required to work in orchard performing both manual and machine tasks associated with pruning and fruit tree cultivation. Careful pruning requires knowledge of what to prune, how much to prune and fruit trees' growth habits. The primary reason for pruning fruit trees is to improve fruit quality and increase crop marketability and value. Apple production requires regular tree maintenance and pest management to produce quality fruit.

Workers are expected to possess or acquire pruning skills in order to be able to identify and remove stubs or broken branches, downward-growing branches, branches which rub against each other, shaded interior branches, dead wood and shoots/suckers with hand pruning saws and clippers, mechanized clippers and pole pruners. Occasionally workers may be required to use chain saws and other mechanized equipment in pruning activities. Workers must be able to perform all activities with accuracy and efficiency. Workers must possess proficiency with both hand tools and mechanical pruning equipment.

Orchard equipment operation
Workers may operate tractors, forklifts, bushhogs/mowers, sprayers and other farm equipment. Workers will perform cleaning, maintenance and repair of tractors, machinery and equipment. Workers will be expected to be able to operate orchard equipment, with or without direction, in a manner that protects the operator, visitors, other employees, crops, trees, facilities and equipment. Workers with appropriate licenses may operate general purpose vehicles to transport workers, equipment and product from one orchard location or facility to another on farm. Orchard equipment operation tasks may continue throughout the season.

General
Instructions and overall supervision and direction will be provided by a company supervisor. Workers hired pursuant to this labor certification must be able to comprehend and follow instructions of a company supervisor. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers will be expected to perform basic duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision. Workers must be able to keep pace with the balance of the crew, maintaining productivity at a minimum of 100 bushels per 7 hour shift during harvest.

Temperatures may range from 10 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, pesticide/insect sprays, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers' ability to perform the job. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Workers should be physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations. Failure to comply with operating, pesticide protection and safety standards may result in termination. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. over the course of the workday.

Employer assures that workers will be provided transportation from living quarters to work site every day (for workers who must be provided housing under the applicable regulations).

Persons seeking employment as experienced orchard worker must be available for the entire period requested by the employer. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Workers will be subject to a trial period of up to 5 business days during which their performance of required tasks will be evaluated.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of three months of prior agricultural field work experience, performing manual tasks associated with production and harvest activities. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. over the course of the workday.