FARM LABORER (Per-Diem Farm Laborer)

The Department of Viticulture & Enology (V&E) is an academic department in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES), and part of the Agricultural Experiment Station at UC Davis. The V&E vineyards are special facilities devoted to the cultivation of grapevines for research, the teaching of field-based viticulture practices, and for the production of grapes to be used for the Enology classes throughout the academic year, along with use for the extension of knowledge to industry stakeholders.

Job Summary

Under supervision, responsible for providing skilled and semi-skilled agricultural vineyard field support for research and teaching projects, including performing general nursery duties of the vines; performing specialized cultural work such as irrigating, applying insecticides, herbicide and fertilizers; perform pruning, suckering, leafing, harvest, disking; and operating farm equipment such as tractors, fork lifts, and all-terrain vehicles at vineyard facilities near Davis and Oakville and other College facilities as assigned.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lift equipment and materials weighing up to 50lbs.

Stoop, bend and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Sit for two hours or more at one time operating field equipment.

Perform repetitious field work.

Walk on uneven terrain, including plowed ground.

Work in the field under hot, uncomfortable conditions.

Skills to drive farm vehicles, operate tractors and operate hand tools.

Work flexible schedule to meet operational need.

CA Driver's License to drive to work site.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be available to work with 24 hours' notice.

Flexibility and willingness to accommodate seasonal needs and department requests for support to include: nights, pre-dawn hours, and weekends.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Additional information and specifics regarding the policy are available at http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/index.html.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Experience in pruning and vine training of many diverse collections of vines including wild grape species, rootstocks, wine and table grapes.
• Experience with grapevine canopy management, including suckering, leafing, planting, wire movement, trellis repair, and harvesting of grapes.
• Agricultural experience to operate heavy and/or complex agricultural equipment including but not limited to tractors, forklifts, and specialized farm equipment such as hedging equipment, sprayers for pesticides and herbicides, weed abatement implements.
• Comfortable with a varied schedule which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be willing to work variable days (including weekends), hours, and locations as required to meet business needs.
• Skills to follow oral and written instructions.

Preferred:

• Bilingual in English/Spanish

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

NA