Dormant Orchard Pruner

Work description

Pruning dormant pear and peach trees, tree training, and sucker removal, peach blossom thinning, dormant tree planting and frost protection activities. Follow training instructions based on established company procedures specific to the variety being pruned and tree form desired. Dormant work also includes tree training or limb positioning to establish productive tree structure. This involves using string, hammer, and nail, or branch spreaders to manipulate branches into desired positions. This position also includes the removal of branches that sprout from the trunk of the tree referred to as sucker growth. All wood cut during pruning and sucker removal must be positioned in the row middle for future mechanical mulching. This position may perform peach flower removal at the onset of bloom in peaches if timing overlaps with dormant pear pruning. Blossom thinning is the hand removal of unwanted flowers. Limited dormant tree planting is performed each year during the contract period and may offer alternate work if pruning is not available due to weather. Described Safety rules must be followed, and all provided PPE must be worn including safety glasses, and gloves provided. Communicate with work groups, co-workers, and supervisors in a professional manner; provide general maintenance, and care of company buildings, grounds, and equipment. Must be able to perform physical work common to dormant Pear and Peach tree pruning, tree training, and sucker removal in established orchards. Capable of proficient and safe use of a 10-ft orchard ladder weighing up to 50 lbs. Pruning standards are set on a block-by-block basis within each orchard, based on planting density, age of the trees, and vigor within each block. The applicable block standard will be communicated to workers prior to beginning work in each block. Upon commencement of employment, workers will have a three-week training period to reach the per-block standards. Workers who have not reached the standards by the end of the third week following commencement of employment will be given additional coaching and a final week to improve their performance to acceptable standards. Use common pruning tools that include hand lopper, hand shears, or hand saws. An option to prune from a mobile platform eliminating ladder work may be available in limited situations. Work in varied weather conditions that include cold damp days common to the Pacific Northwest during the months of late November through early April.

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Last updated: October 7, 2026