Farmworker / Laborer

Number of Workers Requested:  10

Worker will be assigned a row, occasionally with a partner or group, and is responsible for picking all the proper fruit from that row, or half row as directed by supervisor. Fruit is selected from the tree according to size and/or color standard set by the picking supervisor. The entire tree must be checked to ensure removal of all fruit meeting picking requirements. Fruit is placed gently in the picking container until container is full. Some varieties require the use of a stem clipping tool. The full picking container weighing up to 60 pounds is then gently emptied into a field bin, taking care not to spill or bruise the fruit in the container or in the field bin. Workers are required to stay in their assigned row unless directed by a supervisor to change or help another worker. Picking units will be kept free of limbs, leaves or mushy fruit. Workers must keep the work area clean and safe by keeping dropped fruit away from the bin to avoid slips and falls when emptying the bucket into the bin. Supervisors will explain and demonstrate picking requirements to all workers at the start of the season and thereafter as needed to ensure quality standards. Workers must be able to pick and dump fruit without stem pulls, punctures, bruising or other damage which diminishes quality. Observation of bruised, damaged or cull fruit by the supervisor, or as indicated on the pick quality report will result in progressive disciplinary action, described in attached work rules. Field sorting may be required during harvesting in certain apple blocks due to frost damage. In some instances, harvesting will be done from a picking platform or an 18-foot ladder weighing up to 50 pounds. All workers must be able to lift and carry the ladder, as well as work from the top of the ladder. When workers use ladders for harvesting, workers will be required to pick up and return ladders to the wagon provided by employer at the end of each workday or as directed by employer or supervisor. Worker will complete harvest preparation including spreading liners in bins and rolling bins into blocks by hand. Pay will be piece rate or team-based piece rate. Team-based piece rate will be paid on bushel box of harvested apples and the production will be split by each apple harvest team member. Worker will hand harvest peaches to quality standards. Worker will use harvesting basket and pick fruit while standing on the ground and higher branches while standing on a ladder. Worker will pick according to grade, color, and size by gently grasping fruit with the hands and removing from the tree in a motion so as not to harm adjacent buds on the tree branches. Worker will fill bucket in a way that will distribute weight of produce evenly. Worker will carry basket of up to 60 pounds and will place basket into wooden bins which hold approximately 10 bushels of fruit. Worker must always exercise care to prevent bruising of fruit or breaking of branches. Workers must be able to pick fruit without stem pulls, punctures, bruising or other damage which diminishes quality. Worker must also exercise care to prevent knocking fruit with the ladder or a prop. Observation of bruised, damaged or cull fruit by supervisors will result in progressive disciplinary action, outlined in work rules below. Worker may not pick up fruit that has been in contact with the ground. Worker must pick all fruit on the tree that meets quality standards. Pay will be piece rate or team-based piece rate. Team-based piece rate will be paid on bushel harvested and the production will be split by each harvest team member.