150 Citrus Picker (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit) In Canada

Job Description

We are a specialty citrus orchard seeking diligent and energetic individuals to join our small team for the annual citrus harvest. As a Citrus Picker, you will be responsible for carefully hand-harvesting ripe oranges, lemons, and grapefruit from our trees. This role is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in cooler weather, but it is a unique opportunity to work with tropical fruit in a Canadian setting. Your attention to detail will directly impact the quality of our premium, locally-grown produce.

Benefits to Citrus Picker (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit

• Competitive Piece-Rate Pay: Many orchards pay based on the amount of fruit you harvest (e.g., per bin, box, or pound).
• Immediate Income: The hiring process is often quick, allowing you to start earning money shortly after applying. Pay is typically provided on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• Quality Control: Sort fruit directly in the orchard, placing only premium, unblemished fruit into harvest containers. Discard or separate damaged, diseased, or undersized fruit.
• Potential for End-of-Season Bonus: Some employers offer a bonus for workers who stay for the entire harvest season, rewarding reliability and commitment.
• Overtime Opportunities: During the peak of the harvest, there may be opportunities for extended hours, leading to overtime pay for hourly workers.
• Pathway to Other Roles:: Demonstrating a strong work ethic can lead to promotions to roles like Quality Checker, Field Supervisor, or a position in the packing house, which often come with higher and more stable pay.
• Flexible Schedules: Choose full-time, part-time, or gig-based shifts (e.g., mornings, evenings, weekends). Ideal for students, parents, or those seeking side income.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days, sick leave, and holidays .
• Work in a Scenic Environment: Orchards in places like British Columbia's Okanagan Valley are located in incredibly beautiful settings, with views of lakes, mountains, and vineyards.
• Keep Active and Fit: The job is a full-body workout, combining cardio, strength, and flexibility. You'll stay in shape while you work, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
• Canadian Work Experience An opportunity to work alongside Canadians and other internationals, improving language skills and understanding of local culture.

Citrus Picker (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit) Responsibilities

• Selective Picking: Accurately identify and pick fruit based on its specific ripeness indicators, which vary by type. Oranges: Deep orange colour and firmness. Lemons: Bright yellow colour and size.Grapefruit: Yellow hue (for white) or reddish-gold (for ruby), and heft.
• Maintain Pace: Work efficiently and consistently to meet daily individual and team harvesting targets, especially when paid on a piece-rate basis.
• In-Field Sorting: Act as the first line of quality control by inspecting each fruit and placing only premium, unblemished fruit into the harvest bag.
• Handle with Extreme Care: Gently place fruit into the picking bag and later into field bins. Avoid throwing, dropping, or overfilling containers to prevent internal damage and skin abrasions, which can lead to rapid spoilage.
• Emptying Harvest Bags: Carefully transfer fruit from the personal picking bag into larger field bins or tubs placed throughout the orchard rows.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Ensure that different grades of fruit (e.g., premium fresh market vs. juicing grade) are kept in separate bins.
• Bin Monitoring: Signal the tractor driver or supervisor when a bin is full and ready to be transported to the packing facility.
• Ladder Safety: Safely set up, position, and climb orchard ladders on uneven ground to reach fruit at higher levels. This requires balance and constant caution.
• Equipment Care: Properly use and maintain provided equipment, such as picking bags, clippers, and ladders. Report any damage or loss immediately.
• Minimize Waste: Be mindful to harvest all viable fruit from the tree and avoid unnecessary dropping of fruit on the ground.
• Work Collaboratively: Coordinate with other pickers in your row to ensure thorough harvesting and to avoid interfering with each other's work.
• Adhere to Safety Protocols: Follow all workplace health and safety regulations, including: Safe manual handling and lifting techniques to prevent back injury. Proper ladder use to prevent falls.

Citrus Picker (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit) Requirements

• Legal Right to Work in Canada: Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a valid open work permit (e.g., through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program).
• Age Requirements: Intrastate (within one state): Typically 18+.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN): A valid SIN is mandatory for the employer to process your payroll and for you to work legally in Canada.
• Physical Fitness and Mobility: The job is physically intense.Stand, bend, and reach overhead for 8-10 hours per day. Repetitively lift and carry a filled harvest bag (can weigh 15-25 kg / 30-55 lbs).
• Punctuality & Availability: Work often starts very early in the morning. You must be reliable and able to commit to the seasonal schedule for the duration of the harvest.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to quickly learn and identify ripe fruit based on color, size, and shape, and to spot blemishes or damage.
• Manual Dexterity and a Gentle Touch: Citrus skins bruise and scratch easily. You must be able to handle the fruit carefully using proper techniques.
• Strong Work Ethic: Must be self-motivated, hardworking, and able to maintain a steady pace throughout the day, especially under piece-rate pay.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse crew, follow instructions from a supervisor, and be a supportive team member.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Willingness to work in all weather conditions (e.g., cool mornings, rain, wind) that are typical during the Canadian citrus harvest season.
• Safety Consciousness:A commitment to following all safety procedures, especially concerning ladder use, lifting, and general orchard awareness.
• Clean Criminal Background Check: A police clearance certificate or criminal background check from the country of residence is required for the issuance of a seafarer's documents and visas.
• Drug-Free: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test and are subject to random drug testing throughout their contract.

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