Field Worker

Job description

Machine Harvest:

Workers will perform duties associated with and directly related to strawberry harvest work with Mercado Aid Machines, including but not limited to picking and packing in the field for fresh market and freezing/juicing; Distinguishing quality and ripeness is required during picking, and placing in tray / packing clamshells ranging from 1 lb (eight 1 lb clamshells per box) to 4 lbs (two 4 lb clamshells per box) in the field. Pickers will work using a berry harvesting machine (Mercado) to aid harvest. The Machine is self-remote driven, composed of 7-9 pickers controlling the speed of the machine with guidance from the Foreman.

Workers will harvest berries by placing them in different clamshell containers placed in carton boxes as they walk on uneven furrows using a harvesting berry cart where individual material is placed. Pickers will be placing a sticker bar code on each box harvested to identify their individual boxes. Once the worker has a full box, they walk to the machine and place it on top of the platform, then reach above where packaging materials are located for the cycle to repeat. Once the machine reaches the end of the block or road, each picker is responsible to work as a team to palletize all boxes harvested before it gets scanned to the computer system. Pickers will be empowered to regulate their own quality, by not waiting in line to be inspected by the puncher. Machine will be moving at all times at a sufficient speed controlled by both foreman and pickers while pickers perform the above tasks. Strawberry ground crews will not use the Mercado Machine System.

Instructions and general supervision will be provided by a designated crew leader or company supervisor. However, workers are expected to perform their duties in a timely and proficient manner and to maintain production and quality standards without close direct supervision. This is a very demanding and competitive business in which quality inspections and good agricultural practices must be rigorously adhered to. Sloppy, inconsistent, or improper work will not be tolerated. All work must be evaluated by the supervisor(s) after a specified period of actual harvesting in regard to the ability to maintain sufficient pace, correctly identifying quality, packing strawberries, and similar factors. Workers whose job performance is sloppy, inconsistent, or inefficient will be subject for termination.

Special Requirements

1 month of strawberry harvest experience. Specific requirements include lifting up to 50 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. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in the field or residential housing.