Orchard Worker

Job description

Crops/Commodities:
apples.
This job requires a minimum of three months of prior agricultural field work experience, performing manual tasks associated with production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all assigned tasks with accuracy and efficiency.

Fruit harvest/picking
Picking apples: all fruit is hand-picked. Quality is essential. Some fruit is spot picked; no strip picking will be performed. Ladders ranging from 14 ft. to 20 ft. in length and weighing from 35 to 50 lbs. each are used. Care must be taken when picking fruit not to damage or bruise fruit. Properly filled fruit buckets weigh up to 40 lbs. Pickers are required to snap fruit off of tree using their thumb and palm of hand to avoid bruising. Each piece of fruit must be carefully placed in bucket to avoid bruising. Foreman or owner will give demonstrations of how the fruit must be picked; picking requirements will be explained to all workers prior to the season's start. Workers must obey all safety rules when applying or handling pesticides.

The employer has established a picking bruise standard to which all pickers must adhere as follows: A roving inspector paid for by the employer selects random samples from bins. Apples will be graded and scored for amount of bruises and amount of spurs/trash in the bin. Scoring is according to USDA standards for US Fancy grade or better. Standards are explained and demonstrated to all workers prior to season's start. Inspectors review the results of the inspection immediately with the supervisor.

Fruit tree pruning
Workers may also be required to work in orchard performing both manual and machine tasks associated with pruning and fruit tree cultivation. Careful pruning requires knowledge of what to prune, how much to prune and fruit trees' growth habits. The primary reason for pruning fruit trees is to improve fruit quality and increase crop marketability and value. Apple production requires regular tree maintenance and pest management to produce quality fruit.

Workers are expected to possess or acquire pruning skills in order to be able to identify and remove stubs or broken branches, downward-growing branches, branches which rub against each other, shaded interior branches, dead wood and shoots/suckers with hand pruning saws and clippers, mechanized clippers and pole pruners. Occasionally workers may be required to use chain saws and other mechanized equipment in pruning activities. Workers must be able to perform all activities with accuracy and efficiency. Workers must possess proficiency with both hand tools and mechanical pruning equipment.

General
Instructions and overall supervision and direction will be provided by a company supervisor. Workers hired pursuant to this labor certification must be able to comprehend and follow instructions of a company supervisor. Unusual, complex or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers will be expected to perform basic duties in a timely and proficient manner without close supervision. Workers must be able to keep pace with the balance of the crew, maintaining productivity at a minimum of 100 bushels per 7 hour shift during harvest.

Temperatures may range from 10 to 100 F. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, pesticide/insect sprays, related chemicals, etc. may affect workers' ability to perform the job. Work requires repetitive movements and extensive walking. Workers should be physically able to do the work required with or without reasonable accommodations. Failure to comply with operating, pesticide protection and safety standards may result in termination. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. over the course of the workday.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of three months of prior agricultural field work experience, performing manual tasks associated with production and harvest activities. Workers must be able to perform all assigned tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing required.