Field Workers (lettuce) And Agricultural Equipment Operators

Job description

Specific to Head Lettuce: Heavy field work to harvest head lettuce. Employees cut, bag, pack, and load head lettuce in the field. Cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting platform machine or belt. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, employees determine size and quality of the product to be harvested. Then, using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee grasps the produce, cuts the head from the roots and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be placed into a carton or tote. Cutter places the product on a table for the packer to either or combination of, tie, spot wash, sort, wrap, seal and place into a carton or tote. Packers will secure empty containers from designated racks, insert lining material as necessary and fill the carton or totes to specification. Once totes, cartons or bins are filled they are pushed onto conveyor belt for loaders to close/cover and stack on the pallet. The cartons or totes for the product are constructed by unfolding and bending the material as designed to form a box. Carton is labeled and marked as required. The process is repeated. The cartons, totes or bins are lifted then stacked onto pallets on the deck of the harvester or trailer. Cartons or totes with product can weigh up to 50 lbs. Empty bins Pallets can weigh up to 95 lbs. Between two workers empty pallets are carried and assembled.

Romaine, Hearts, Mix Leaf: Heavy field work to harvest romaine, heart and mix leaf. Employees cut, bag, pack, and load fresh romaine, head, and heart lettuce in the field. Cutting is done by walking in uneven furrows behind a harvesting platform machine or belt. Under the direction of the field Supervisors, employees determine size and quality of the product to be harvested. Then, using a harvesting hand knife and bending at the waist, the employee grasps the produce, cuts the head from the roots, and trims the outer leaves from the head to prepare it to be placed into a carton or tote. Cutter places the product on a table for the packer to either or combination of, tie, spot wash, sort, wrap, seal and place into a carton or tote. Packers will secure empty containers from designated racks, insert lining material as necessary and fill the carton or totes to specification. Once totes, cartons or bins are filled they are pushed onto conveyor belt for loaders to close/cover and stack on the pallet. The cartons or totes for the product are constructed by unfolding and bending the material as designed to form a box. Carton is labeled and marked as required. The process is repeated. The cartons, totes or bins are lifted then stacked onto pallets on the deck of the harvester or trailer. Cartons or totes with product can weigh up to 50 lbs. Empty bins Pallets can weigh up to 95 lbs. Between two workers the empty pallets are carried, and bins are assembled.

Agricultural Equipment Operators are responsible for set up, maintaining, inspecting equipment prior to start of day. Workers will assist in preparing harvest machines for immediate field operation, or movement to a new location. Workers will operate tractors, tractor drawn machinery and harvest machines to harvest crops. Will operate tractors and harvesters through the furrows, towing loaded trailers on and off the field harvested area. They are also responsible for the following day, such as the setup of the tractors and harvesters, cartons for the harvested crops, fuel for the tractor, and general service of the equipment being used at the field. Workers are required to have basic knowledge of driving tractors and harvesters, must pass tractor/machine safety training, and demonstrate ability to operate tractors and harvesters in a safe manner. Workers may occasionally and/or sporadically perform duties associated with and directly related to the primary duties. Such work will be temporary and unsubstantial agricultural labor.

Special Requirements

Must have 1-month work experience with the produce as defined in this application including harvest work. Specific requirements include lifting 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 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 fields or housing.