This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more
information, please see:
https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11815928
Crops: Peaches, Apples, Strawberries, Pumpkins, Blackberries, Christmas
Trees, Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Squash, Peppers, Kale, Onions, Zucchini,
Gourds, Garlic, Cucumbers and Beets. Worker must possess the physical
strength and endurance (ability to continue or last) to repeat the
harvest process though out the workday, working quickly and skillfully
to perform activities assigned during that activity. Workers must work
at a sustained (continuing for an extended period of time without
interruption), vigorous pace (quick and steady) and make bona fide
efforts (made in earnest intent) to work efficiently (performing or
functions in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and
effort) and consistently (same way for a long time) that are reasonable
under the climatic and other working conditions, Workers may not leave
trash, or other discarded items in work areas or vehicles but must
dispose of such items in provided receptacles. Workers must wash hands
with soap and water after all bathroom and meal breaks. Allergies to
varieties of ragweed, goldenrod, insecticides, related agricultural
chemicals, etc., may affect workers ability to perform the work
described herein. Workers will plant, cultivate, and harvest crops named
in this job order. Workers may be responsible for preparation of field
beds, assisting in installation of drip irrigation and black plastic.
Workers will thin and prune fruit trees, as needed according to
supervisors instructions. Workers will train black berry vines to ensure
maximum growth. Blackberries: Workers will plant, cultivate, and harvest
blackberries. Workers will remove weeds from around the plants and from
the row middles. Workers will bend and stoop to pick berries according
to size, color, shape and degree of maturity and place into field
containers. Workers will be expected to pick fully ripe berries, discard
any deformed, decayed, or undersized berries according to supervisors
instructions. Also, workers must carefully remove any undesirable
berries from plant that would later cause fungi to attack the plant.
Workers may carry 1/2 full container weighing approximately twelve (12)
lbs. and empty into field bin or load onto trailer. Workers must not
completely fill their 1-gallon bucket full as it will cause bruising to
the berries. When 1/2 full, carried to end of rows at designated
truck-loading place. Then the buckets of berries will be inspected for
quality and loaded for transportation to roadside market. Depending on
market demand, workers may also be required to pick berries in cups
and/or flats. Blackberries harvested specifically for sale at a roadside
stand as fresh market specialty basket containers must be field graded.
For berries harvested for sale at roadside stands, extra care must be
used to ensure that each blackberry is undamaged and perfect. All
berries must be handled carefully to prevent bruises or fingernail cuts.
Pickers will take extreme care not to damage the delicate berries.
Quality and workmanship is of the utmost importance. Pre-harvest
activities for berries may include weeding and transplanting. Workers
may be required to perform other tasks maintenance activities in the
blackberry operation. Pre-harvest activities for may include staking,
tying, transplanting, and pruning.