Field Workers (harvest), Ag. Equip. Operators, Sanitation...

Job description

Field Workers - Specific to Dole, Top & Tail: Heavy field work to harvest romaine lettuce in preparation for value added processing. Manual cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting conveyor belt. Under the direction of the field supervisors, the worker determine the size and quality of the romaine lettuce to be harvested, and using a harvesting knife, the employee bends at the waist, grasps produce, and cuts the head from its roots. Employee then trims the outer leaves from the head and places head onto harvesting table. The process is repeated. The romaine is then topped and cored and carried down the belt where employees inspect quality, core, and remove loose leaves prior to dropping into appropriate bin. Bins are constructed and sorted directly on the trailer on a pallet. Bins may weigh up to 50 lbs. empty. Pallets may weigh up to 95 lbs. empty. Between two workers the empty pallets are carried, and bins are assembled.

Agricultural Equipment Operator: under the direction of the supervisor the agricultural equipment operator is responsible for operating farm equipment and supplying the tractor/trailer/machine/forklift with packaging materials needed for specific packs, covering the completed pallets with a plastic liner to protect the finished cartons from inclement weather, loading and unloading produce boxes, assisting in preparing the harvest machine for immediate field operation, or movement to a new location. Directing tractor/machine/forklift through the field and pulling loaded trailers out of field. Employee must conduct daily maintenance check prior to operating tractor/machine. Required to have basic knowledge of driving a tractor/machine/forklift, must pass tractor/machine/forklift safety training and demonstrate ability to operate tractor/machine/forklift in a safe manner. The passing of a safety training and demonstration of ability to operate tractor/machine in a safe manner is not a pre-hiring requirement. Any worker unable to safely operate tractor or machinery will be assigned alternate harvest tasks.

Sanitation Work: The sanitation worker is responsible for ensuring all harvest equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized daily following standards operating procedures for equipment cleaning. Must be able to read chemical labels or safety data sheets (SDS) to learn how to properly handle chemicals used. Incorporate special or rotational cleaning duties into daily schedules for specialized cleaning or sanitation that might not occur every day. Report any atypical situations in the growing areas to supervisor. This work requires an able bodied person to lift up to 50 lbs., stand, walk, bend, twist, pull, push, reach, climb, overhead work, kneeling, crawling and walk on uneven ground all day, wear clothes and shoes appropriate for working conditions, ability to take instructions and follow them, use safety equipment correctly. Employee, with proper licensing and accepted driving record, may drive the sanitation truck. Required basic knowledge of driving a tractor, forklift and harvesting machines, must pass a tractor, forklift and machine safety training and demonstrate ability to operate the equipment in a safe manner.

Employee Housing and Wellness Coordinator: Monitors the employees’ health and wellbeing of agricultural workers. Educating employees in the prevention of spreading disease. Monitoring sanitation conditions of the employee quarters, on site work environment, and transportation, reporting concerns to management.

Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties, such as cleaning up field before during and after harvest, picking up trash, discarding cartons and assisting as safety monitor when equipment is turning in the field to begin a new pass.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience with the produce as defined in this application including harvest work. Specific requirements include lifting 50 pounds frequently and being 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 bending and working in bent or stooped positions. Must be able to walk on uneven ground and stand up extensively. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or housing.

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