ORCHARD WORKER, X308, - White Salmon, Prosser, Hood River OR, Parkdale, OR
This is a job order for apples, pears, and cherries.
Orchard clean up is a general term for duties associated with keeping the outdoor orchard area clean. Additional duties under the clean up description are: collecting and disposing of mylar plastic sheeting, orchard row weeding activities and other associated duties keeping the orchard clean and debris-free.
Thinning is a manual process used to control the size and fruit quality of grown fruit. Employees will be given appropriate training by supervisors.
Pruning
Quality is essential. Different varieties of apples, pears, and cherries trees will be pruned according to established company procedures based upon the difference in treatment of different fruit varieties. Workers must be able to distinguish between different limb positions, spurwood and productive (fruiting wood) and non-productive (non-fruiting wood) to be able to competently, efficiently and effectively prune fruit trees.
Pruners will be required to cut branches carefully and cleanly. Much of the pruning work will be done from a ladder 10 to12 feet in length. Employees will be expected to use all equipment in a safe and prudent manner to avoid injury. There are no supervisory responsibilities in this job.
Workers should keep the work area clean and safe by keeping cut branches away from the walking area to prevent tripping and falling. Company supervisors will explain and demonstrate pruning requirements to all workers at the start of the season and as needed thereafter to ensure quality standards. Care must be taken when pruning so as to provide the right amount of tree limb elimination. Pruning affects harvest fruit yields and quality significantly. Incorrect pruning can cause quality problems and must be prevented at all costs.
Tree Training
Workers may be required to perform tree training duties including but not limited to the following activities: hoeing, tree painting, weed mat application, tree tying – includes tying limbs to trellises and tying limbs together. Other tying activities will be determined by orchard management and communicated to all employees.
Tree Planting
Workers may be required to perform tree planting duties including but not limited to the following activities: digging planting holes, lifting trees, tree trunk protection barriers, watering, preparing tree stock to plant, fertilization of planted trees and staking. These duties include, but are not limited to, tree planting, orchard prep and tree removal. Other planting activities will be determined by orchard management and communicated to all employees.
Tree Training and Trellising
Workers may be required to perform tree training duties including but not limited to the following activities: hoeing, tree tying – includes tying limbs to trellises and tying limbs together. Other tying activities will be determined by orchard management and communicated to all employees. In addition to tree training, workers may be required to construct tree trellises that are integral to the tree growing process. Other duties required may be but not limited to the following activities: using power hole digging augers, setting poles, stringing trellis wire, setting wire anchors, using hammers, pick axes, shovels, hoes, spades and other associated equipment and duties related to building a commercially viable tree trellis. These duties include, but are not limited to tree training, trellis maintenance and trellis installation.
Harvest
Quality is essential. Different varieties of apples and pears will be picked according to established company procedures based on the end use (spot picking for fresh; small percentage of culls for processing.) Workers must be able to differentiate between colors accurately in order to perform color-specific picking. Keep the work area clean and safe by keeping dropped fruit away from the bin so that you do not slip when emptying your bucket. Company supervisors will explain and demonstrate, if necessary, picking requirements to all workers at the start of the season and as needed thereafter to ensure quality standards. Care must be taken when picking so as not to damage or bruise fruit. Workers must be able to pick and dump fruit without stem pulls, punctures, bruising or other damage which diminishes quality.
Pears and Apples
Pick pears without punctures, bruises or scuffs. (3 punctures/30 pears checked) All pears should have stems. Pick all the fruit on the tree. Do not pick up fruit that has fallen on the ground. Do not knock the fruit out with the ladder or a prop. Do not drop the pears into the bucket. Gently place each pear on top of the others. Use both hands to pick and fill the bucket to keep it leveled.
Fill the bin from all sides. Do not let the fruit roll in the bin. Fill the bin level with the top. The crew boss will inform workers how full to fill the bin. All pears placed in a wood bin, except Bartlett, need a plastic liner in the bin before placing any fruit in the bin. It is important that the liner covers all sides of the bin and fits tightly around the top.
Cherries
Workers must be able to handle ladders which are 12ft. in length and weigh 40 lbs while managing a picking basket/bucket that weighs approximately 20 lbs. Pickers are required to pick the fruit by leaving the stems attached with their fingers and by placing the harvested fruit the fruit at the bottom of the basket/bucket. Great care must be taken to ensure that the fruit is harvested and placed into the basket/bucket so as to not bruise or damage the fruit.
Picking will be performed by color, or color and size as well as by defects which would render the fruit unmarketable. Such defects include but are not limited to bird pecks, limb rub, splits and sunburn. The harvest supervisor will show all harvesters the correct way to pick cherries to reach the quality objectives of the company.
Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may be required to drive company vehicles. Workers with an appropriate license may be asked to drive other workers between orchards.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Must have at least one (1) prior experience working in tree fruit orchards handling manual tasks
associated with fruit production, pruning activities and showing proficiency with orchard ladder use.
Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Drug screening
HOURS/DAYS/SCHEDULE
6 hours per day, Monday through Friday, 5 hours on Saturday.
The contract period is from January 15, 2024 to October 30, 2024.
SALARY/WAGE/BENEFITS
No worker will be paid less than the AEWR of $19.25 per hour
Pruning pear and Cherry trees, $.10-$.25 per apple tree, high density, 900 trees/acre, 2-3 years old Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Pruning apple trees, $.10-$5.00 per apple tree depending upon size of tree, Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Pruning apple trees, $.10-$.25 per apple tree, high density, 900 trees/acre, 2-3 years old Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Pruning apple trees, $.50 - $3.50 medium density, 300-450 trees/acre, 4-7 years old Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Pruning apple trees, $.50 - $5.00 medium low density, multiple leaders, 99-250 trees/acre, 12 – 100 years old Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Apple Harvest: Cripps Pink - all cultivations, $28.15 per bin (46” x 46” x 24”) Wood; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6 bins; Estimated rate per hour =$21.11
Apple Harvest: Granny Smith - all cultivations, $26.52 per bin (46” x 46” x 24”) Wood or Plastic Organic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 5.5 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $18.23
Apple Harvest: Fuji – all Cultivations, $26.52 per bin (46” x 46” x 24”) Wood or Plastic Organic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 5 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $16.58
Apple Harvest: Gala – all Cultivations, $26.52 per bin (46” x 46” x 24”) Wood or Plastic Organic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $19.89
Apple Harvest: Golden Delicious - all cultivations, $26.52 per bin (46” x 46” x 24”) Wood or Plastic Organic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 5 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $16.58
Apple Harvest: Honey Crisp - all cultivations, $30.34 per bin (47” x 47” x 26”) Plastic or Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; The piece rate for harvesting honey crisp apples is earned once the bin reaches 90% capacity. The specified rate is equal to the prevailing piece
rate when adjusted for non-standard bin dimensions and fill capacity standards.; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 5 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $18.96
Pear Harvest: Bartlett - all cultivations, $23.45 per bin (46” x 46” x 24") Wood; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 7 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $20.52
Pear Harvest: Bartlett - high density, $25.00 per bin (47” x 47” x 26”) Plastic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6.5 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $20.31
Pear Harvest: Bartlett - all cultivations, $21.51 per bin (45” x 45” x 23”) Plastic Organic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 7 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $18.82
Pear Harvest: Bosc – all Cultivations, $26.57 per bin (47” x 47” x 26”) Plastic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $19.93
Pear Harvest: Bosc – all Cultivations, $23.49 per bin (46” x 46” x 24” )Wood; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $17.62
Pear Harvest: D'Anjou - all cultivations, $23.49 per bin (46” x 46” x 24) Wood; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 7 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $20.55
Pear Harvest: D'Anjou - all cultivations, $26.57 per bin (47” x 47“ x 26”) Plastic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $19.93
Pear Harvest: D'Anjou - high density, $23.49 per bin (45” x 45” x 23”) Plastic Organic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 6 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $17.62
Pear Harvest: Red Clapp - all cultivations, $26.57 per bin (47” x 47” x 26”) Plastic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 7 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $23.25
Pear Harvest: Seckles - all cultivations, $26.57 per bin (47” x 47” x 26”) Plastic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 3 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $9.96
Pear Harvest: Forelle – all Cultivations, $26.57 per bin (47” x 47 x 26”) Plastic; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 3 bins; Estimated rate per hour = $9.96
Cherry Harvest: Dark Red Cherry - all cultivations, $4.40 per 20 lb. lug; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 50 lugs; Estimated rate per hour = $27.50
Cherry Harvest: Lapins - all cultivations, $4.00 per 20 lb. lug; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 50 lugs; Estimated rate per hour = $25
Cherry Harvest: Sweethearts - all cultivations, $4.20 per 20lb. lug; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 50 lugs; Estimated rate per hour = $26.25
Cherry Harvest: Rainiers - all cultivations, $6.00 per 20 lb. lug; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 2 lugs; Estimated rate per hour = $12
Cherry Harvest: Cherries - all cultivations, $4.20 per 20lb. lug; Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum; Estimated Productivity per worker in 8 hours = 50 lugs; Estimated rate per hour = $26.25
Pear and Cherry Tree Pruning $.50 - $5.00 per apple tree, medium low density, multiple leaders, 99-250 trees/acre, 12 – 100 years old. Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Pear, Apple and Cherry Pruning $.10-$5.00 per pear, apple or cherry tree depending upon size of tree: $.10 $.10-$.25 high density, 900 trees/acre, 2-3 years old Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
Pear and Cherry Tree Pruning $.50 - $3.50 per apple tree, medium density, 300-450 trees/acre, 4-7 years old Guaranteed AEWR $19.25 per hour minimum.
The payroll period shall be weekly.
No work will be performed at less than the AEWR of $19.25 AEWR
The employer will furnish, without charge, all tools, supplies and personal protective equipment required in the performance of the specified work.
Employer does not provide meals. Employer-provided housing includes free and convenient
kitchen facilities with appropriate equipment, appliances, cooking accessories, and
dishwashing facilities for meal preparation. For workers residing in employer-provided housing,
employer also provides free transportation once per week to/from closest town or city for
personal errands (e.g., groceries, banking services). Dining, kitchen/cooking facilities and
other common areas are shared by all workers. In the event that kitchen facilities become
unavailable during the contract period, employer will provide three daily meals in accordance
with 20 CFR 655.122(g). In such circumstances, employer will deduct the cost of such meals
up to the maximum allowable amount published in the Federal Register, or as otherwise
approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. $15.46 per day.
Transportation costs to the job site for domestic workers from outside the local commuting distance of the job site will be reimbursed by the employer after 50% of the contract period. In order to comply with the FLSA, the employer will advance any amount owed prior to the first paycheck. Workers who do not complete 50% of the contract will have the advance deducted from their final paycheck.
Transportation costs from the job site to the workers home will be provided to those domestic workers that complete the entire contract period. For workers residing in employer-provided housing, employer provides, at no cost to workers, daily transportation
to and from the designated worksite.
Employer guarantees to offer employment for the hourly equivalent of 3/4 or 75% of the workdays of the work contract beginning with the first day of work.
Full employment description of employer benefits is available from the employer.
CLOSING DATE/DEADLINE
Employer will accept referrals until June 8, 2024
HOW TO APPLY/REQUEST A REFERRAL
This employer has asked WorkSource to refer only fully qualified applicants for this job. If you would like to request a referral, please contact any WorkSource office for detailed instructions on how to apply.
Job ID:
WorkSource is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to persons with disabilities.
In view of the statutorily established basic function of the ES as a no-fee labor exchange, that is, as a forum for bringing together employers and job seekers, neither the ETA nor the SWAs are guarantors of the accuracy or truthfulness of information contained on job orders submitted by employers. Nor does any job order accepted or recruited upon by the ES constitute a contractual job offer to which the ETA or a SWA is in any way a party.
Washington Relay Services: 711
Please follow the link to the side by side checklist, Workers' rights trifold and a copy of the complete job order for inspection.