Description
Hand-harvest ripe fruit in orchards and fields using ladders, picking bags, and hand tools. Select, sort, and pack fruit to size and quality standards while minimizing damage. Load and move bins, maintain clean work areas, and report crop conditions. May assist with thinning, pruning, irrigation checks, trellis repairs, and basic equipment upkeep.
- • Harvest ripe fruit by hand using ladders, picking bags, and clippers.
- • Select fruit by color, size, and firmness to meet quality standards.
- • Place fruit gently into bags, totes, and bins to prevent bruising.
- • Sort and cull damaged or diseased fruit during picking.
- • Pack fruit into cartons or bins and apply labels as directed.
- • Load full bins or pallets onto trailers or trucks for transport.
- • Operate orchard tractors, bin trailers, or ATVs to move fruit and supplies.
- • Set, position, and secure ladders safely on uneven terrain.
- • Report ripeness, yields, pests, diseases, or damage to supervisors.
- • Record bin counts, pick tickets, block and row locations, and hours.
- • Assist with fruit thinning to improve size and quality.
- • Prune or train trees and vines under supervision in off-season.
- • Inspect trees and fruit for pests, disease, and mechanical damage.
- • Set up, check, and repair minor issues in drip or micro-sprinkler lines.
- • Maintain and clean picking tools, bags, ladders, and field bins.
- • Keep rows, bins, and work areas clean and free of debris.
- • Follow food safety, hygiene, ladder, and pesticide reentry rules.
- • Maintain inventory of picking supplies and request replacements.
- • Help repair trellises, stakes, and orchard fencing as directed.
- • Move and stage empty bins, pallets, and supplies in the field.
- • Participate in field grading, sorting, and post-harvest treatments.
- • Load agricultural products into trucks and deliver to storage or packing.
- • Assist with basic maintenance of small equipment and report issues.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
