Berry Picker (Tunnel Farm)

Crops do not wait, and a commercial seedling nursery near Mthatha needs extra hands this season. If you like clear targets and knowing where you stand, this is for you.

Home base is a commercial seedling nursery on the Mthatha side of Eastern Cape.

• Tie up tomato and pepper plants in tunnels
• Move irrigation pipes and check drippers for blockages
• Clean and store picking bags, ladders and secateurs
• Pick fruit or vegetables at the right ripeness and size, gently
• Follow the re-entry times after spraying, as the signs show
• Wash hands and use the field toilets for food safety

• Physically fit for bending, lifting and climbing ladders
• Careful with fruit, since bruised fruit is rejected
• Follows farm hygiene and safety rules
• Available for the full harvest season
• Willing to start at sunrise

• Pruning experience on vines or fruit trees
• Previous harvest or picking experience
• Living on or near the farm

• Seasonal accommodation on some farms
• Farm transport from nearby towns
• Chance of a permanent post after good seasons

• If you have picked before, say which crop and how many seasons. Farms rehire experienced pickers first.
• Farms hire before the season starts, so apply four to six weeks early. Late arrivals often find the teams already full.