This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/6568605

Palm tree work (date palms) - all tree work requires either working from the ground while standing or walking on uneven ground, or working from a basket/ platform that is raised by a forklift or reach lift that will be raised off the ground that could be as high as 55 feet off the ground. Employees will be pruning and hoeing date palms, using both hands, pruning shears, pruning loppers and long handled hoes. De-thorn job is done by removing thorns from palms with curved knife while standing on the ground or in a raised platform, by moving the knife along the edges of the frond removing the thorns. Pollinating is done by removing the husk of the flower and tying a string around the strands at the middle of the flower, and possibly removing a portion of the flower, if necessary applying date pollen by hand with a small rubber pollinating tool. Cutting centers/ strands/ thinning is done by removing the center of the bunches with a hand pruner, and selectively removing dates or cutting strands to length. Tying for direction is done by choosing the natural direction of the bunch/ fruit arm and bending it without breaking, and then tying it to support the weight of the fruit arm. The employee will insert metal rings carefully between the strands of the fruit bunch and then applying a fruit bag over the bunch while securing the bag to the bunch. Closing of the bag is done prior to harvest using twine or Velcro on the bag. All jobs are done under the direction of the foreman and supervisor to ensure quality of work. Harvest - all harvest required either working from the ground while standing or walking on uneven ground, or working from a basket/ platform that is raised off the ground that could be as high as 55 feet off the ground. Harvest is done by identifying fruit by color and texture and picking accordingly and placing fruit into trays that are then moved to the field trailers or pallets. Removing is done by using a knife and cutting the twine and taking off bag. Bags are then counted/ folded and put on pallets for storage. Fruit arms are then cut off using a knife. All jobs are done under the direction of the foreman and supervisor to ensure quality of work. Groundwork- planting date palms is done by digging a hole with a shovel and placing date palms that could weigh up to 50 lbs from a potted container in to the hole and replacing soil. Cutting shoots is done by removing shoots on side of palm trees by placing chisel between shoot and tree and hammering the chisel to remove the shoot. Shoots are also removed from the side of the trees by placing a metal bar and prying the shoot off the tree. While working on uneven ground, either dig with a shovel or use a crowbar with a hammer to remove shoots from base of date palms. Weeding is done with a long-handled hoe, or by hand if necessary. Irrigation- qualified workers to assist in checking/ repairing drip lines, ensuring that every date palm has water, pulling occasional weeds, checking pumps, filling out checklist. All jobs are done under the direction of the foreman and supervisor to ensure quality of the work. Sorting/Packing- Workers will receive fruit from field and place onto a line for other workers to sort fruit by grade and discard any fruit that has issues into a 11lb carton and palletize. All jobs are done under the direction of the foreman and supervisor to ensure quality of the work.\ The workers will be transported to and from the worksites on the same day.

Must have 1 month field work experience with date palm trees. Written verification of experience is required. Specific requirements\ include lifting to 15 lbs. frequently and able to use hand tools, including cutting knives. Must be able to work under conditions where skin and clothing become heavily soiled with mud, wat r, grease, etc. Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions, including rain, heat, cold, high winds, etc. Work involves frequent bending and stooping. Must be able to walk and stand up extensively. Workers must be able to work in a basket/ platform that is raised by a forklift or reach lift as high as 55 feet off the\ ground. Worker must be able to physically wear OSHA authorized safety PPE. No smoking, alcohol, firearms in field or housing.

Tools and equipment: Employer will provide tools and equipment necessary to perform all required tasks at no cost tot he worker; this includes knives, gloves, and safety glasses. The reasonable repair or replacement cost of tools or equipment may be deducted from the worker\'s paycheck for willful damage or loss of such tools or equipment. The employer will not make any deduction from the wage or require any reimbursement from a worker for any cash shortage, breakage, or loss of equipment, unless it can be shown that it was caused by a dishonest or willful act, or by the gross negligence of the employee.

Work is to be done for long periods of time in the field, when plants may be wet with dew and rain, and may be required during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures. Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, insect spray, related chemicals, etc. may\ affect workers ability to perform the job. Workers must be able to perform the required work with or without reasonable accommodations.

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