Orchard Worker

This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7550237 The worker will perform a variety of agricultural tasks associated with citrus and orchard crop production during an accelerated harvest season. Due to unusually warm early-season weather and faster-than-normal fruit maturation, citrus harvesting and orchard maintenance duties must be performed on an urgent basis to prevent fruit drop and crop loss. Duties include hand-picking citrus fruit, placing fruit into picking bags or bins, transporting harvested fruit to designated collection points, and ensuring fruit is not damaged during handling. Worker will assist with emergency harvest-related orchard tasks including removing fallen fruit, clearing debris, and maintaining clean orchard rows to prevent pest pressure resulting from early fruit drop. Duties also include pruning, thinning, irrigation support, fertilizing, weeding, and monitoring trees for signs of heat stress, disease, or pests that have become more active due to the unseasonably warm conditions. Worker may assist with checking irrigation lines, adjusting valves and timers as directed, clearing blockages, and ensuring water distribution is maintained during this accelerated harvest period. Work requires the use of basic agricultural tools such as picking shears, hand pruners, ladders, wheelbarrows, and irrigation equipment. The worker may be required to lift, carry, and move materials up to 50 lbs. All duties will be performed outdoors in varying weather conditions. Employer will provide all tools, equipment, and safety training at no cost to the worker. All work to be performed is strictly agricultural in nature and directly related to the urgent citrus harvest and orchard maintenance needs during this accelerated season.