Vineyard Laborer

Workers will perform duties associated with farming of wine grapes or related agricultural activities. Position requires hands-on involvement in most facets of vineyards management to prepare grape crops for the harvest, which includes: plan and stake new vineyards, vine suckering, leaf removal, removing vines, ground preparation, cluster thinning, erosion control, shoot positioning, canopy work, trellis system installation and repair, maintenance of fencing surrounding the vineyards, training young vines, drip systems installation and repair, remove weeds with long-handled hoes, pruning, vineyard layout, root and rock picking, removal of stones, tree roots, and other debris, perform basic cleanup, and perform other similar duties relating to vineyard management. Workers will also perform duties associated with the harvest of wine grapes, which will include harvesting wine grapes with pruning shears or grape harvest knife. Place grapes into bins, tubs and other similar containers and empty grapes into gondolas that are situated on slow-moving tractors in the vineyards. The employer will provide all tools and equipment necessary to perform all required tasks at no cost to the worker, which may include pruning shears, weed eaters, loppers, hedgers, long-handled rakes, hoes and shovels and other similar equipment. Workers will not perform weeding activities by hand in a stopped, kneeling or squatting position. Qualifying workers may operate specialized vineyard tractor machinery after undergoing several hours of safety training and passing a hands-on tractor driving exam. Qualifying workers must demonstrate willingness, basic knowledge of driving a vineyard tractor and the ability to operate agricultural machinery in a safe manner. Tractor drivers will be responsible for the movement of tractors in, around and between vineyard rows, fields, ranches, trees, and row markers with or without loaded attachments, which may include loaded or empty trailers, rollers, mowers, pull blast sprayers and discs. Hitch and unhitch attachments. Sit for long periods of time. Mount and dismount equipment. Operate breaks, gears, pedals, reading gauges and steering controls while driving. Refuel and maintain tractor operations to ensure optimum performance. Conduct daily maintenance checks prior to operating the tractor. Workers may generally repair and maintain farm equipment, vehicles and machinery as needed in a shop setting. Work is performed outdoors and can involve exposure to extreme temperatures, bright sunlight, windy or rainy conditions, mud and dust, low light or darkness and other natural elements. The work may entail exposure to plant pollens, insects, snakes, rodents, noxious plants and/or plant materials that have been treated with insect and/or disease control spray. Workers must walk in variable soil conditions. Workers should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for the working conditions described.

Salary : $19