Orchard Worker - Preharvest
Employer
1583 Ridge Rd
Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442
United States
Job description
This job requires 3 months experience working in an orchard picking tree fruit by hand. Work activities will include pre-harvest orchard maintenance such as pruning trees, weeding, removing vines. It may also include thinning fruit, planting, tending, and harvesting garden crops as well as general farm labor necessary for the operation of the farm. Tractor driving may be required once an employee demonstrates knowledge and skill in the operation of such. Hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, pruning hooks and shears may be used. Harvesting tasks will include picking peaches, cherries, apples, and other tree fruit. Lower branches are picked from standing on the ground. Ladders up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 50 pounds are used to pick upper branches. Must be physically able to climb a ladder as well as move it throughout the orchard. Picked fruit will be placed in a molded-plastic canvas covered picking bucket or other vessel. Buckets may weigh up to 60 pounds when full. All fruit must be handled with care to avoid bruising and
damage. Good quality work is essential to produce a marketable product. Injured fruit must be not exceed 2% as defined in the U.S. standards for grades. Must be physically able to lift up to 60 pounds. There may be exposure to pesticides, extreme temperatures, light rain, and allergens. Workers must be able to perform manual activities with accuracy and efficiency. Pickers must be able to pick a minimum of 20 bushels per hour unless there is an adverse effect on production. Piece rate will be in effect for apple picking. Other tasks will be paid hourly.
Special Requirements
Given the demands and unpredictable nature of agriculture, workers may be asked, but not required, to work longer hours than stated in the job offer information. Additionally, start and end times may be adjusted daily to meet crop and weather conditions.