Avocado Grove Helper

San Diego CA

Description

An owner operated certified organic avocado grove is seeking a ranch helper to assist in all aspects of production, harvesting, and management of the grove. The grove helper will be responsible for maintaining the grounds (weeding, thinning, pruning, chipping), planting new trees (clearing, digging, planting), pest control (trapping gophers, squirrels), maintaining irrigation lines, fertilizing, mulching, soil management etc, along with related activities in rehabilitating the grove to increase production. While performing the duties of this job, the work is conducted outdoors in hot weather conditions. The work requires to use the hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel to complete tasks. The helper is required to use their feet to walk, dig or climb ladders, use pruners and cutting tools to maintain the trees and grounds. The outdoor work area will have flat to gentle to steep slopes. Responsibilities: - Maintaining orchard plantings with tasks described above - Perform all tasks in a safe manner in accordance with safety guidelines (No drugs or alcohol permitted. Prefer nonsmoker) - Acts proactively to prevent issues within the grove - Work with owner in rehabilitating the grove - Monitoring, fixing, repairing, replacing and installing PVC sprinklers, drip systems etc - Pest control (rabbits, snakes, squirrels, gophers, ants, snails) - Planting new trees; Growing new seedlings - Harvesting avocados and other edibles - Fertilizing - Pruning trees and chipping the logs/branches - Fencing - Cleaning up / hauling weeds / brush / tree stumps etc - Will be asked from time to time to perform all tasks associated with grove maintenance - Light construction work (roof repairs, shade covers etc) - Setting concrete forms / digging footings for signage, canopies - Responsible for operating larger pieces of equipment such as tractors, wood chipper, etc - Keeps regular and organized logs of activities completed - May help with R&D of grove farming methods - Attends service and training meetings as required - Other activities as needed Qualifications: - Must speak and write fluent English - Healthy physical condition and ability to lift 50 lbs - Comfortable using internet and phones; Android, iOS applications and computer programs - Friendly and clear communicator - Ability to learn and adapt to ongoing organic best practices is critical - Good organization and attention to detail is critical - Avocado grove management experience or farmhand help is a plus - Nice to have experience maintaining and using equipment such as tractors, excavators, mulcher, chainsaws, weed whackers, etc - Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding skills all a plus - Experience with seed starting, annual vegetable cultivation is a plus - Related experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture is a plus - Related education in horticulture, crop science, business, marketing etc is a plus - Knowledge about soil and water conservation and management is a plus - Knowledge and interest in growing diverse edible fruits, vegetables etc is a plus If this job position interests you, please complete this form - Thanks for your interest in this posting. keywords: farmer, avocados, citrus, urban farmer, vegetables, farm worker, farm helper, grove manager, landscape worker, fruit trees