Farmworkers

Job description

Plant, cultivate, harvest, grade and pack fruit and vegetables including blackberries, strawberries, peppers, tomato, cucumber, eggplant, cabbage, squash, zucchini, peas, butter beans, broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, okra, cantaloupe, watermelon, corn, and oranges and prune orange trees by hand or farm equipment. Walk behind the farm equipment making sure all holes are filled and covered. Walk behind tractor pulling trailer with orange trees, place tree in pre-dug hole, and cover with dirt using a shovel. Harvest developed peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, okra and eggplants from plants on assigned row by hand, or using a knife, and place into bucket, making sure that plant is picked clean of all crops of correct size and maturity (at least 90%) or as instructed by supervisor. When bucket is full, lift bucket onto farm equipment conveyor system that is moving through field alongside workers while making sure to keep up. Dumper will empty produce from bucket and harvester will take empty bucket to begin the process. Hand pick developed squash on assigned row and place into box, making sure that plant is picked clean of all squash of correct size and maturity (at least 90%) or as instructed by supervisor. Lift and carry box to trailer that is moving alongside workers in field. Hand pick oranges and place into bucket. When bucket is full, according to supervisor's instructions, carry to dumper on truck that is moving through the field, being careful not to damage product. Dumper will empty produce from bucket and harvester will take empty bucket to begin the process. Harvest watermelon and cantaloupe by cutting stems from the vine using knives. Workers will then pick up harvested watermelons and cantaloupe and pitch them to another worker who will either gently place into bins or pitch it to another worker within an assembly line. Grade, sort, or classify agricultural products by size, weight, color and condition. Wash selected products. Measure and weigh products or estimate, visually or by feel. Products are graded and sorted according to specified factors and defective, inferior and/or foreign matter is discarded. Acceptable products are placed in specified containers according to grade, which is marked on containers. Containers are then stacked in specified locations. Grade and/or identification number is recorded on tags or shipping, receiving or sales sheets. Examine and inspect containers, materials and products to ensure that packing specifications are met. Stack boxes onto pallets, transport vehicles or trailers. Workers will use hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, pruning hooks, shears and knives. String peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. Prune orange trees according to supervisor's instruction and install irrigation. Clean and maintain work areas including pulling up plastic and stakes, and cutting strings and placing onto trailer, or assembling a pile according to the supervisor's instructions. Install and remove items required in plasticulture. Install and remove stakes, wire, netting or string. Assemble cartons, crates and containers using hand tools and load unassembled boxes into machine. Place assembled boxes onto rack. Pull weeds, prune crop, maintain fields and perform irrigation activities. Operate agricultural equipment. Clean packing facility, fields, structures, grounds and equipment. Direct and monitor agricultural activities. Workers who have a valid driver's license and doctor's certificate may drive vehicles to transport workers and may be offered additional hours. Assist with Good Agricultural Practices policies.

Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honey bees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer.

Special Requirements

One month experience in grading and packing vegetables required. Perform repetitive hand movements. Bend, stoop, walk, push/pull, sit, reach, lift and carry 50 lbs. over the shoulder repeatedly for long periods of time. Stand for prolonged periods of time. Physical stamina is required. Work in extremely hot (up to 100 degrees), humid, cold, or wet weather.