Field Workers, Crew Leads, Calvan Driver, Ag. Equip. Operat.

Job description

Full Job Title: Field Workers (Harvest) - Mini Watermelon and Regular Watermelon (Conventional and Organic), Melon Harvest (Conventional and Organic), Crew Leads, CalVan Driver, Agricultural Equipment Operator, Sanitation Work:

Mini Watermelon and Melon-Field harvest workers must be able to walk in uneven rows, and identifying ripened fruit thru various techniques, such as color, striping, shape as directed by Supervisors. The worker would then use a knife to cut ripe watermelons/melons off the vine. Workers then place the fruit on packing machine while walking on uneven rows thru the fields. Workers on top of the packing machine will then identify size, and pack in a box, bag, tote, or bin. Workers will construct containers, whether boxes, baskets, or bins. Workers will then place fruit in the container, and then label each fruit with a sticker that identifies the commodity. After fruit is stickered, a divider will be placed inside boxes. Boxes sized will then either be stacked on pallets on a field trailer, or put into a bin, and marked according by size and information pertaining to the crew and location.

Regular Seedless Watermelon: Field harvest workers must be able to walk in uneven rows, and identify ripe fruit, and use a knife to cut ripe watermelons off the vine. Worker will then move fruit into furrow/row. Worker will perform bulk loading by forming part of an assembly line, in which the first worker bends down picks up the watermelon and it is passed on to consecutive workers by passing, catching, lifting, until it reaches the worker on the trailer. Workers on the trailer then load the fruit into bulk containers, which are transported to a packing site. Workers must have the required physical strength and endurance to repeat the process rapidly and skillfully involved in this type of work. Workers will perform prolonged walking, bending, stooping. reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying 0-60 lbs. The worker must be able to work outside for 6-8 hours a day in hot conditions, with temperatures reaching into the 100-degree range.

Crew Leaders will be responsible for checking quality, filling out paperwork, and assisting in coordination of packing orders. Will assist Foreman on all activities assigned by management ensuring successful operation. Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, quality of production, and efficient work practices. Employee will be responsible to implement and follow company policy, SOP’s, and practices. Will enforce and follow GAP and Company Food Safety and Worker safety practices. Assist foremen with crew production, help ensure quality and quantify performance targets are met, employee retention, and administrative duties. Capable of following specific instructions to perform defined procedures. Assist in filling out paper such as load tags and delivery sheets. Ability to teach all crew members to understand quality production & daily production requests. Treat all employees with dignity and respect. The Crew Leader will assist Foreman with daily breaks and lunch for all employees. Assist with maintaining break areas and bathrooms clean and stocked. Practices all safety regulations to ensure the safety of the crew members. Help foremen ensure clean and fresh water and shaded rest areas are available at all times. Will attend mandatory meetings and trainings as needed. The Crew Leader is responsible for all crew activities and will assist foremen with leading daily warm-up exercises, informing office personal of new hires and rehires. Along with keeping track of absences and difficulties with work performance. Conduct Safety meetings with all crew members and submit documentation. Uses the company’s time productively to ensure all equipment and materials required are ready prior to crew arrival. Ability to recognize dangerous situations and inform supervisors or management. Due to harvest seasonality factors, crew leader may be rotated into harvest activities.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience working in Mini Watermelon, Regular Watermelon, and/or Melon harvest as defined in this application. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements include lifting to 60 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 frequent bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. Employee must be able to physically wear OSHA authorized safety PPE. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or housing.

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