Field Workers, Agricultural Equip. Operators, Sanitation....

Job description

Field Workers (Harvest - Romaine Top and Tail Value), Agricultural Equipment Operators, Sanitation Workers, Row Boss, Employee Housing & Field Coordinators, and CalVan Drivers):

Specific to Dole, Top & Tail: Heavy field work to harvest romaine lettuce in preparation for value added processing. Manual cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting conveyor belt. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, the worker then determines the size and quality of the romaine lettuce to be harvested and using a harvesting knife, the employee bends at the waist, grasps produce and cuts the head from its roots. Employee then trims the outer leaves from the head and places head onto table. The process is repeated. The romaine is then topped and cored then carried down the belt where employees inspect quality, core, and remove loose leaves prior to being dropped in a bin where it is sorted to bin capacity. Bins are constructed and sorted directly on the trailer on a pallet. Bins may weigh up to 50 lbs. empty. Pallets may weigh up to 95 lbs. empty. Empty pallets are carried between two workers.

Agricultural Equipment Operator: under the direction of the supervisor the driver is responsible for supplying the tractor trailer/machine/forklift with packaging materials needed for specific packs, covering the completed pallets with a plastic liner to protect the finished cartons from inclement weather, loading and unloading produce boxes, assist in preparing the harvest machine for immediate field operation, or movement to a new location. Directing tractor/machine/forklift through the field, pulling loaded trailers out. Employee must conduct daily maintenance check prior to operating tractor/machine. Required to have basic knowledge of driving a tractor/machine/forklift, must pass tractor/machine/forklift safety training and demonstrate ability to operate tractor/machine/forklift in a safe manner.

Sanitation Work: The sanitation worker is responsible for ensuring all harvest equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized daily following standards operating procedures for equipment cleaning. Must be able to read chemical labels or safety data sheets (SDS) to learn how to properly handle chemicals used. Incorporate special or rotational cleaning duties into daily schedules for specialized cleaning or sanitation that might not occur every day. Report any atypical situations in the growing areas to supervisor. This work requires an able bodied person to lift up to 50 lbs., stand, walk, bend, twist, pull, push, reach, climb, overhead work, kneeling, crawling and walk on uneven ground all day, wear clothes and shoes appropriate for working conditions, ability to take instructions and follow them, use safety equipment correctly. Employee, with proper licensing and accepted driving record, may drive the sanitation truck. Required basic knowledge of driving a tractor, forklift and harvesting machines, must pass a tractor, forklift and machine safety training and demonstrate ability to operate the equipment in a safe manner.

Employee Housing and Field Health Coordinator: Monitors the employees’ health and well belling, thru such observation, documenting and reporting employee responses and temperature checks to detect symptoms as outlined by the CDC. Educating of employees in the prevention of spreading disease. Monitoring of the sanitation of the employee quarters, on site work environment, and transportation, documenting the progress and reporting back and concerns to Management.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience with the produce as defined in this application including harvest work. Specific requirements include lifting to 50 pounds frequently and 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 rain, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk on uneven ground and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or housing.

Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, and other natural elements. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the period of employment. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.