Trellis Installer (Agriculture)
Trellis installers build and repair the structures that support crops in vineyards, berry farms, hops yards, and orchards. Your day is a mix of layout, post setting, bracing, wire runs, and safe tensioning—work that rewards accuracy and steady pace. CV is required for review.
What you build (in plain terms)
A trellis system is a “frame” that holds plants upright and creates consistent rows for pruning, spraying, harvesting, and canopy control. Good trellis work is measured by alignment, safe tension, and durability—one weak end assembly can compromise a full row.
- End assemblies: set end posts, install anchors, braces, and hardware for load-bearing points.
- Line posts: place and align posts, verify spacing, plumb, and depth (site standards vary).
- Wire runs: feed, clip, and secure wire; install strainers; tension to spec without overstress.
- Add-ons: hang netting, attach clips, repair broken lines, replace staples, and tighten after weather events.
- Quality checks: verify heights, straight lines, safe clearances, and stable bracing before moving to next row.
Typical tasks (site-dependent)
- Marking rows, measuring spacing, and staging materials by row sections.
- Installing posts, braces, anchors, and hardware using hand tools and (where used) powered drivers.
- Running wire lines, attaching clips, and tensioning safely with approved devices.
- Repair work: replacing broken wire, tightening sag, correcting misalignment after wind or equipment contact.
- Maintaining a safe work zone: cable/wire hazards, pinch points, vehicle traffic, and tool handling.
Tools & safety focus
- Hand tools: hammers, pliers, cutters, tape measure, levels, wrenches.
- Tensioning gear: strainers/ratchets (type varies by system).
- Material handling: lifting posts, wire spools, hardware boxes (team lift used where required).
- PPE & hazards: eye/hand protection, wire recoil risk, post-driving zones, heat exposure.
Minimum requirements (detailed)
- English CV with relevant experience (agriculture, installation, outdoor labor).
- Ability to work outdoors for long shifts (heat, dust, rain—season-dependent).
- Physical readiness: lifting, carrying, repetitive hand work, stable footing on uneven ground.
- Comfort following measurement-based instructions (spacing, height, tension checks).
- Basic English for safety briefings and supervisor instructions (level depends on employer).
Pay (gross), hours, and practical conditions
This page is a role-category overview. Exact pay, deductions (if any), and schedules are confirmed in the employer’s job order and contract. For H-2A roles, wage floors vary by state and the employer must meet the applicable minimums. Many trellis-heavy states have higher floors.
Gross hourly wage floors (examples)
| State (examples) | Gross/hour floor |
|---|---|
| California | $19.97 |
| Washington | $19.82 |
| Oregon | $19.82 |
| New York | $18.83 |
| Michigan | $18.15 |
| Pennsylvania | $17.96 |
| North Carolina | $16.16 |
These are reference floors for a national overview. Final pay depends on the worksite state, classification, and employer terms.
What candidates usually care about
- Schedule: seasonal peaks often run longer days; weather can reduce hours on some days.
- Housing: many H-2A job orders include employer-provided housing; details vary by employer and location.
- Meals: employer may provide meals or cooking facilities (job order specifies).
- Transportation: daily transport between housing and worksite is typically defined in the job offer.
- Hours guarantee: job orders typically include an hours-offered guarantee over the contract period.
Hiring steps (practical workflow)
- CV submission: upload an English CV with experience and tool exposure.
- Screening: we confirm role fit (physical readiness, safety mindset, relevant tasks).
- Matching: we check available projects and timelines.
- Employer stage: interview/verification (site-specific requirements).
- Documentation: you proceed with the employer’s official process and travel planning.
FAQ (role-specific)
Is this closer to construction or farm labor?
It is agricultural work with an installation focus. The pace is similar to field crews, but accuracy and safe wire handling matter more than speed alone. Many sites treat trellis as a specialized crew because alignment and tension affect the entire season.
Do I need a driver’s license?
Often not required for entry-level installer roles, but it can help for certain sites that need utility vehicle drivers or material runners. If you have a license, list it clearly on your CV.
What is the hardest part of trellis installation?
End assemblies and tensioning are the most demanding: they require strength, correct angles/bracing, and strict safety discipline. A small mistake can cause wire snapback or long-term sagging.
Can I apply if I only did general farm work?
Yes—if you have strong physical readiness, reliable attendance, and basic hand-tool comfort. Training is site-dependent. Your CV should show outdoor work, teamwork, and any tasks involving measurement or installation.
What should my CV highlight for this role?
Mention outdoor physical work, any installation tasks (fencing, framing, vineyards, orchards), hand tools used, equipment exposure, and safety habits (PPE, working around machinery, following briefings). Add dates and locations for credibility.
Related roles in Agriculture (H-2A focus)
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.