farmworker/laborers

Watermelon harvest workers will harvest watermelons including cutting, pitching, stacking, and sorting product in the field on the farm. Pitchers will deliver (pitch and toss) the watermelons by hand from the ground to the employee at the top of a platform (truck or trailer) as this person is packaging the watermelons. Cutters will detach the watermelon from the plant on the ground and leave it aligned for the pitcher and packers to prepare for market. During this time, cutters will sort through the watermelons only to harvest the proper variety, color, and the proper maturity of the fruit. Cutting tools (harvesting knives, shears) will be provided by the employer to detach fruit from the vine. Workers will be walking, bending, lifting, stooping, kneeling, shuffling, and twisting throughout shift. All positions will be shared amongst the shift.