orchard worker

This job requires 3 months experience working in an orchard picking tree fruit by hand. Work activities will include pre-harvest orchard maintenance such as pruning trees, removing weeds and vines, and mowing. The job may also include thinning fruit on the trees, planting, tending, and harvesting garden crops. 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. Harvesting tasks will include picking peaches, cherries, apples, and other tree fruit. 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. Must be physically able to climb a ladder as well as move it throughout the orchard. Picked fruit will be placed in a molded-plastic, canvas-covered picking bucket with canvas straps that rest on the shoulders. Buckets may weigh up to 60 pounds when full. All fruit must be handled with care to avoid bruising and damage. Good quality work is essential to produce a marketable product. Injured fruit must not exceed 2% as defined in the U.S. standards for grades. Must be physically able to lift 60 pounds. There may be exposure to pesticides, extreme temperatures, light rain, and allergens. Workers must be able to perform manual activities with accuracy and efficiency. Pickers must be able to pick a minimum of 16.5 bushels per hour unless there is an adverse effect on production.