orchard laborer - pre-harvest work

The job requires 3 months experience working in an orchard picking tree fruit by hand. Tractor driving may be required once an employee demonstrates knowledge and skill in the operation of such. Hand tools such as shovels, trowels, hoes, tampers, pruning hooks and shears

may be used. The main job task is picking apples. The lower branches are picked first and then picking proceeds up the tree. Lower branches are picked from standing on the ground. Ladders up to 22 feet long and weighing up to 50 pounds are used to pick upper branches. Picked fruit is placed in a molded plastic, canvas-covered picking bucket, with canvas straps that slip over the head and rest on the shoulders. Filled buckets, weighing up to 60 pounds, are emptied into bulk bins. All fruit must be handled with care to avoid bruising. Fruit injured by bruising shall not exceed 2% as defined in the U.S. standard for grades. Must be physically able to lift 60 pounds. Due to safety concerns of a farm, workers must understand some basic instruction in English. Workers must be able to perform manual as well as mechanized activities with accuracy and efficiency.