Orchard Worker

Job Opportunities at Mercier Orchards Our mission at Mercier Orchards is to deliver unparalleled service, timeless products, and an engaging educational journey for customers of all ages, all while nurturing our strong sense of community. We are open year-round, offering secure employment with fantastic perks for qualifying team members, including Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, and 401K. Please take a few minutes to explore our career opportunities and tell us about yourself below. We look forward to speaking with you! Food Production Team Member All positions are customer service focused and require team members to be able to work on their feet for various periods of time. Mercier Orchards' Food Production Team offers many opportunities ranging from cooks, restaurant server, dish washer, retail bakery counter, candy and bakery production; where we make breads, pies and cookies from scratch. We offer opportunities for advancement within all departments at Mercier Orchards'. Mercier Orchards' offers on the job training, as well ongoing training in many areas including food and workplace safety throughout the year. Requirements: Able to lift minimum of 25 pounds Able to be on your feet for extended periods of time Able to enter freezers at times (zero and below) Able to work in warm to hot environments Must be able to work well with others Maintain a clean and safe work area Be able to arrive on time for scheduled shifts Depending on the position requirements may vary U-Pick Associate The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job; however, it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to the evolving nature of the daily and seasonal operations; including cleaning, stocking, organizing, and general upkeep. Duties & Responsibilities: • Setting up and breaking down U-pick stations (i.e. tents, coolers, refreshments, containers, and the various items needed to operate a U-pick event). • Acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge of our farm's fresh-grown produce, as well as the layout of the orchard. • Able to learn basic farm history for tours, and assist customers in the field • Greet all Mercier Guests and provide exceptional service • Enthusiastically educate customers about our fruits and vegetables and how to pick and handle them. • Answer questions and/or promptly seek out a reliable source to respond to inquiries with confidence and knowledge • Walk rows to determine if fruit/vegetables are plentiful for guests to pick, and be able to communicate if the product is deemed too low, or sparse. • Greet and assist customers at the corral and in the field, answering questions, and addressing interests and concerns • Maintain cleanliness of U-pick stations and surrounding area (i.e. washing stations, picking up trash, keeping tent and table area neat and approachable) • Be a steward of all things U-pick—knowledge, friendliness, cleanliness, customer service Qualifications: • Basic knowledge of fruit and vegetable handling is helpful • Excellent customer service skills • Detail-oriented, with a willingness to learn all things U-pick • Commitment to excellence and exceeding customer expectations • Excellent oral communication and presentation skills, adherence to policy and safety standards • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills • Ability to multitask—customer service, helpful attitude, and fruit/vegetable knowledge • Professional appearance and demeanor • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions • Maintain high standards of quality control, hygiene, health and safety • Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within changing priorities with enthusiasm Physical/Mental Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age Must be able to bend, squat, climb, push, stoop, and crouch Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods as required by job duties Must be able to lift to at least 40 lbs. Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously. Tractor Driver Summary: Responsible for operating a tractor for the purpose of taking customers to the orchard pulled by wagon Duties and Responsibilities: The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Responsibilities include daily safety/function checks on tractors and wagons as well as fluids on the tractor. Responsible for communication amongst coworkers via radio during transit through the orchards. Responsible for ensuring first aid kits are on tractor before first ride out to orchard as well as the contents needed on the inside of the kits. Report any issues prior to loading or shuttling customers to the orchards. Secondary responsibility includes attaching wagon to tractor if that has not been completed. Upon the start of your shift, you must check to assure that it has been properly connected. Qualifications: High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to operate tractors for many hours on any given day. Must have a valid driver's license Must have good knowledge and previous experience in driving a tractor pulling a trailer. Competencies: Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service ; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions ; Uses equipment and materials properly. Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Initiative – Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed. The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands and Work Environment: Occasionally required to stand Occasionally required to walk. Frequently required to sit. Frequently required to use hands. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Frequently required climb or balance. Occasionally required to stoop,