Farm Laborer (FARM LABORER)

Department Description

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.

Apply By Date

September 24, 2024

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license, certification and/or educational degree if required of the position.

• 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 Qualifications

• Bilingual in English/Spanish

Key Responsibilities 

• 90% – Cultural Operations

Perform skilled and semi-skilled duties such as grapevine canopy management, to include pruning, suckering, leafing, planting, wire movement, trellis repair, and harvesting of grapes. Provide assistance with vineyard removal and vineyard establishment. Perform semi-skilled tasks such as weeding and hoeing. Apply pesticides/herbicides in accordance with local regulations as directed by supervisor. Operate equipment such as all-terrain vehicles, hand tools, tractors, hedgers, sprayers, and fork lifts. Turn on and fix drip irrigation. Perform miscellaneous field tasks. Assist with general building maintenance and other duties as assigned.

• 10% – Research

Assist with research projects data collection.

Department Overview

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.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $19.47/hr. – $23.15/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 206
• UC Job Title: FARM LABORER
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: Full-Time, 100%
• Shift Hours: Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, CA. 
• Union Representation: Yes – SX – Service
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/On-Site: On-Site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits and eligibility rules by visiting Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit’s employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• For eligible roles, UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles 
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
• UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

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

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.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• 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.

Special Requirements

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain – we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. 

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

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