120 Apple, Pear, Peach Picker Jobs Available In Ne-Zealand

Job Description

We are seeking motivated and reliable individuals to join our harvesting teams for the upcoming fruit season. As a Fruit Picker, you will play a vital role in carefully hand-picking high-quality apples, pears, and peaches from our orchards. This is a physically demanding but rewarding outdoor job that is essential to getting fresh, Australian-grown fruit to market. No prior experience is necessary as full training will be provided. We are looking for people with a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Benefits to Apple, Pear, Peach Pickers

• Competitive Piece-Rate Earnings: The most significant financial benefit for many. Pickers are often paid per bin, bucket, or kilogram of fruit they harvest. This means your income is directly tied to your speed, skill, and effort. Fast, efficient pickers can potentially earn well above the minimum hourly wage.
• Overtime Pay: Payment for hours worked beyond a standard 40-hour work week, as required by law in many regions.
• Weekly Pay:Consistent weekly paychecks to help workers manage their finances without long waits.
• Meal Allowance: Daily meal during shifts
• Allowance: Monthly allowance ontop of the daily pay shall be provided
• On Job training : For the perfection needed at the ship , training is a must.
• Skill Development: Understanding fruit ripening and quality standards. Efficient harvesting techniques. Working as part of a large, coordinated team.
• Health Insurance Stipend: A financial contribution toward health insurance costs, even for seasonal employees.
• Rehydration Support:Provision of plenty of fresh, cool water and electrolyte-replacement drinks throughout the day to prevent heat-related illness.
• Protective Gear (PPE): Provision of necessary personal protective equipment such as gloves, hats, sunscreen, and knee pads at no cost to the employee.
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses and lost wages in case of a work-related injury (often a legal requirement).
• Consistent Schedules: Predictable start and end times help workers plan their lives.
• Paid Breaks: Designated, paid rest breaks in shaded areas.
• Advancement Opportunities: Clear paths for reliable workers to advance to roles like crew lead, equipment operator, or year-round farm staff.
• Positive Work Environment: A culture of respect, clear communication, and recognition for hard work (e.g., "Employee of the Week" recognition).

Apple, Pear, Peach Pickers Responsibilities

• Hand-Picking: Gently twist and snap the fruit from the tree using the correct technique to avoid damaging the fruit, the tree's branches, or the buds for next year's crop.
• Selective Picking: Harvest only the fruit that has reached the perfect level of ripeness, size, and color as specified by the supervisor. This often requires multiple passes through the same trees over several days.
• Maintaining Pace: Work efficiently to meet individual and team daily targets, especially when paid on a piece-rate (per bin/kilogram) basis.
• Handle with Care: Gently place fruit into your picking bag or bucket to prevent bruising. Avoid throwing or dropping the fruit.
• Emptying Bags/Buckets: Carefully transfer the harvested fruit from your personal picking bag into large bulk bins (often called "pontoons") located throughout the orchard rows.
• Prevent Mixing: Ensure that different grades of fruit (e.g., top quality vs. juicing grade) are not mixed together in the bins.
• Ladder Safety (Crucial for Apples and Pears): Safely set up, move, and climb orchard ladders to reach higher fruit. This requires balance and caution.
• Utility Assistance: Assist skilled tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians) by digging trenches, lifting heavy equipment, and running conduits or pipes.
• Equipment Maintenance: Take care of provided equipment, such as picking bags, ladders, and pruning shears. Report any damage or faults immediately.
• Minimizing Waste: Avoid dropping excessive fruit on the ground and try to harvest all viable fruit from each tree.

Apple, Pear, Peach Pickers Requirements

• Physical Stamina: Ability to perform strenuous manual labor for 8-10+ hours per day
• Physical Fitness Capacity to repeatedly bend, stoop, kneel, and squat.
• Strength & Mobility: Capable of frequently lifting, carrying, and loading items weighing 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg).
• Legal Right to Work in Australia: This is non-negotiable. You must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid visa with work rights
• Time Management: Efficient and organized work approach
• Ability to Work Early Hours: Harvesting often starts very early in the morning (e.g., 6:00 or 7:00 AM) to avoid the heat of the day. Punctuality is critical.
• Environmental Tolerance: Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, sun, rain, humidity, wind, and cold.
• Strong Work Ethic and Reliability: The harvest is time-sensitive. Employers need pickers who are punctual, committed, and show up consistently every day.
• No Experience Necessary: Most farms are willing to train motivated individuals. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are more important than prior experience.
• Ability to Work in a Team: You will be working as part of a large, diverse team. Being cooperative, communicative, and respectful is key to a smooth operation.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to understand safety manuals, warning labels, and simple plans or diagrams.
• Drug-Free: Most companies require passing a pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random drug tests.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others, helps teammates, and maintains a positive attitude.

Note: No formal education qualification required. Training will be provided to successful candidates.