Agriculture
Begin date: 5/5/2025 Full Time: Yes Number of Workers Requested: 12 Job Duties: Crops: Apples, Pears, Cherries (Employer may plant additional crops as needed) ________________________________________ Job Duties & Responsibilities 1. Cherry Harvesting: Hand-harvest cherries from motorized platforms, ladders, or the ground. Attach and wear a harness, picking bucket, or picking bag. Pick fruit according to grade, color, and size while ensuring proper handling to avoid damage to adjacent buds or branches. Carry harness, bucket, or bag weighing up to 20 lbs., transferring fruit into plastic lugs holding approximately 30 lbs. of fruit. Carefully place harvested fruit into containers to prevent bruising or other damage. Some workers may be required to examine, sort, and remove defective or damaged fruit that does not meet quality specifications. Workers must be able to lift and handle a 10 ft. or 12 ft. orchard ladder weighing up to 40 lbs. 2. Apple & Pear Harvesting: Hand-harvest apples and pears from motorized platforms, ladders, or the ground. Wear a harness, picking bucket, or picking bag. Pick fruit carefully by grasping with hands and removing in a way that avoids damaging the tree and buds. Carry and transport up to 60 lbs. of fruit, placing it into 4'x4'x3' wooden bins capable of holding 25 bushels of fruit. Follow grading requirements for color, size, and ripeness; workers may need to sort and remove defective fruit. Workers must be able to lift and handle a 10 ft. or 12 ft. orchard ladder weighing up to 40 lbs. 3. Thinning: Manually remove excess fruit, blossoms, buds, or clusters to improve fruit size and quality. Identify and remove misshapen, damaged, or low-quality fruit as instructed by supervisors. Perform thinning tasks from motorized platforms, ladders, or the ground. Use hand-held clippers or hands for thinning. Lift and handle a 10 ft. or 12 ft. orchard ladder weighing up to 40 lbs. 4. Tree Training & Limb Positioning: Train and manipulate tree growth to maximize yield and fruit quality. Perform training tasks from motorized platforms, ladders, or the ground. Tasks include but are not limited to: Tying, taping, or clipping apple, pear, and cherry limbs to support structures. Tying limbs up or down to encourage proper growth. Shoot thinning, sucker removal, cluster thinning, shoot positioning, hedging, and leaf removal. Propping and supporting apple, pear, and cherry trees as necessary. 5. General Orchard Work: Irrigation Maintenance: Monitor and adjust drip and sprinkler systems as needed. Pest & Weed Control: Identify and remove weeds, pests, and diseased plants. Orchard Cleanup: Remove fallen branches, fruit, and debris to maintain orchard cleanliness. Ladder Use: Safely handle and maneuver orchard ladders when pruning, thinning, or harvesting. Other Duties: Perform additional orchard tasks as assigned by the employer. ________________________________________ Work Conditions & Requirements: Work is performed outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. Repetitive tasks such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, and climbing ladders for extended periods. Workers must handle fruit carefully to prevent bruising or damage. Employer will provide all necessary tools and equipment at no cost. Housing and transportation to the worksite will be provided per H-2A program regulations. Job Classification: 45-2092.00 - Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse Experience Required: Yes Months of Experience Required: 3 Special Requirements: Field work begins shortly after daylight and may occur in various weather conditions, including rain, humidity, freezing temperatures, or extreme heat. Workers may need to work in wet conditions and should dress accordingly. Lifting or loading up to the weight limit in Section B.4 may be required. Riding on non-passenger equipment is prohibited unless authorized. Injuries must be reported immediately to a supervisor, and workers compensation claims can be filed through a medical provider, employer, or state agency. Workers must commit to the full growing season per Sections A.3 and A.4 of the ETA 790. Light-duty work may be assigned per state law if restricted by a physician. A demonstration period will familiarize workers with job requirements, proper methods, and crop-specific tasks. Workers must perform all duties safely, following established orchard safety guidelines and procedures. Personal protective equipment must be worn when required. Number of Hours Per Week: 35 Work Schedule (Start/End time): 6:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.