Field Worker: Wine Grapes

Job description

Field Worker (Wine Grapes) 

For each activity described below:  Non-harvest vineyard work takes place approximately from March through August.  Hand harvest work begins approximately from August through October.  

Description of specific work duties: 

Vineyard Work 

Pruning by hand – removal of unwanted wood from vine. 

Suckering by hand – removal of any extra unwanted shoots on cordons/canes, trunks, removal of any short canes and shoots from the cordon/cane 

Erosion control by hand – install fiber roll, straw mulch, silt fence, water bars 

Replant grapevines by hand in existing vineyards 

Training young vines by hand to stake and onto the fruit wire 

Canopy management by hand – moving wires to position shoots within the trellis system to maintain a vertical growing grapevine 

Leafing and lateral removal by hand – removing leaves from the fruit zone during the growing season; removing lateral growth from the canes within the fruit zone and growing canopy 

Installation and repair of trellis by hand, wires, stakes, hoses and drip emitters in existing vineyards and new developing.  

Pest Control by hand (growth tubes, milk cartons, netting) – install growth tubes and or cartons around young vines to protect plants from feeding animals and to promote good vine growth; install bird netting over the vineyards fruit zone to protect fruit from feeding birds 

Weed control by hand – using mechanical string trimmer for weed abatement and or a shovel (long-handled) to cut weeds from under the vines and for weed control around slopes of vineyards and along adjacent roads 

Crop thinning by hand – removal of clusters during specific times of year to enhance fruit quality 

Harvesting grapes by hand (approximately August through October) 

All hand-related harvesting will be in accordance with California law.

Special Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements: 1 month vineyard experience. Workers must stand, sit, crouch, bend, reach, lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds in the course of performing required activities, 50 lbs with machinery. Must have use of both hands. Must be 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. No smoking, illegal drugs, alcohol or weapons of any sort in the housing or working fields.