Field Workers

at Ag Plus Labor LLC in Salinas, California, United States

Job Description

Cauliflower/Broccoli Harvest

• Box Maker – Worker will assemble product box (carton, Poly carton, RPC) and place a sticker on Box
• Labeler – using a labeling gun; worker will place a label with pack style specific information; may include but not limited to field lot, harvest date, harvest crew, etc.
• Cutter - While walking and using a product specific cutting tool, the worker will select and cut product for desired pack and place on harvest platform. In cauliflower the cutter will also use the cutting tool to remove curd jacket to desired trim.
• Packer – Depending on the type of product to be packed, worker will place into packaging until full or until packaging count requirements are met. Product required to be in individual packaging will also be done by packers before placing into shipping packaging. Pack styles include but are not limited to: o20lb/38ct Crown cut o14ct/18ct Bunch oSpears oFlorets o9/12/16ct cauliflower
• Stacker – Worker will lay 40-pound pallet in a row on trailer. Worker will remove cartons from take away belt and stack boxes according to palletizing format for the desired packaging. During stacking, the worker will place a 1 1/4“W by 48” L slat in between every two levels of cartons. Worker will then place three nylon (3) straps with buckle around pallet stacks and buckle.
• Tractor Driver/machine operator – Will place pallets and load boxes on platform. Place Vboards and tie down load. Transport trailer from the field to the staging area. Machine operator will move and control machine in field as well as transport machine to desired locations.  Tractors have gross weight capacity under 26,001 lbs and do not require a commercial driver license to operate
• Weeding Description - Using a 6” broad bladed lettuce knife, worker will insert knife into ground next to base of weed and pull with fingers.

Cabbage/Iceberg/Green and Red Leaf lettuce

• Cutter - Worker will walk in uneven furrows behind a harvesting machine platform. Using a knife, the worker will bend at the waist and grasp a predetermined size of cabbage/head lettuce and cut the head from it roots. Worker will trim the outer leaves from the head and inspect for defects. Worker will then place head onto table. The process is repeated.
• Packer - Depending on pack required, worker will either or combination of; bag, tie, sort, wrap, seal and place into carton or tote to designated count. Once totes or cartons are filled to designated count, they are closed or covered and placed on conveyor.
• Stacker – Worker will lay 40-pound pallet in a row on trailer. Worker will remove cartons from take away belt and stack six (6) or seven (7) high on pallet. During stacking, the worker will place a 1 1/4“W by 48” L slat in between every two levels of cartons. Worker will then place a nylon three (3) straps with buckle around pallet stacks and buckle.
• Carton Maker – Worker are made by unfolding and bending the carton as designated to form a box and place a sticker on carton.
• Tractor/Forklift Driver/Machine operator – Will place pallets and load boxes on platform. Place V-boards and tie down load. Transport trailer from the field to the staging area.  Tractors have gross weight capacity under 26,001 lbs and do not require a commercial driver license to operate
• Weeding Description - Using a 6” broad bladed lettuce knife, worker will insert knife into ground next to base of weed and pull with fingers.

Crew Leaders Under the direction of the First-Line Supervisor: Direct and monitor the work of other farmworkers. This is not a supervisory position. Harvesting crew leader will arrive to work site with the crew or before crew. Will keep accurate records of employee hours worked, ranch and lot. Receives from supervisor daily harvesting needs. Assign duties such as harvesting of crops, products or equipment maintenance. Report all issues or concerns to the supervisor. Occasionally, will work with crew doing regular harvesting job. Provide the necessary materials to personnel. Conduct Pre-Inspection reports when necessary and when requested. Reports any observed mechanical problems of machine or equipment to supervisor. Prepare necessary amount of materials needed for the day, i.e. cartons/supplies. When working or moving machines always be observant of safety hazards, obstacles and surroundings.

All packing duties take place in the field and on the farm

Driver or Cal Van Driver Duties:  

1. 1. Employee may drive Cal Vans which are not buses over the road.
2. 2. Employee picks up workers from different housing sites/pick up points and takes them to an assigned work site and at the end of the day takes them back to the housing site/pick up point.
3. 3. In order to drive a Cal Van, Employees must possess valid driver’s license (state issued) and must be able to pass Class B Physical exam and register as an FLCE driver.

The employer will be responsible for the cost of the driver’s license, Class B Physical Exam, and registration as an FLCE driver (if any).

All employees in this position (H-2A as well as corresponding domestic workers), will be given the opportunity to obtain a driver’s license (DL) and register as an FLCE driver on a voluntary basis.  The DL and FLCE Certificate are not a pre-hire job requirement.  No job applicant will be denied an employment opportunity due to a lack of a DL or FLCE Certificate at the time of application and/or hiring. Further, no worker (H-2A or corresponding domestic worker) will be terminated for failure to obtain a DL or FLCE Certificate. CalVan drivers may be H-2A or corresponding domestic workers.  The employer assures that employees who drive the CalVans are compensated for their time driving.  

CalVan drivers perform MSPA and related paperwork (i.e., logging) as required by law which they are compensated for.  The CalVan driving job duty is not a different job and the drivers perform harvesting job duties when not driving. Drivers pick up workers from the housing sites/pick up points and drop them off at the worksite.  At the end of the workday, the CalVan driver takes the workers back to the housing sites/pick up points.  Drivers are also responsible, during the workday, for filling the vehicle with gasoline and keeping it clean. The employer assures that drivers are paid the AEWR for actual driving time, processing CalVans paperwork, trips to the gas station, and cleaning the vehicle.

The employees will perform driver responsibilities less than 50% of the work hours over the contract period and thus, less than 50% of full work days. Will work under close supervision of  field supervisor.

Sanitation Workers will clean and maintain hand-washing and portable outdoor lavatory facilities in the field.

Minimum Job Qualifications: 1 month of agricultural equipment operation experience and 1 month harvest experience with any of the listed commodities.  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.