Grape Harvest Worker (Wine Farm)

Outdoor work with your hands on a commercial seedling nursery near Umlazi; no experience needed for most posts. Good for someone who wants to build a solid track record they can put on their CV.

You'll be based at a commercial seedling nursery in Umlazi. Living nearby, or on a taxi route to it, really helps.

• Weed beds by hand or with a hoe
• Fill crates or bins and carry them to the collection point
• Wash hands and use the field toilets for food safety
• Tie up tomato and pepper plants in tunnels
• Move irrigation pipes and check drippers for blockages
• Follow the re-entry times after spraying, as the signs show
• Prune and thin fruit trees and vines to the farm's method

• Valid ID or work permit
• Physically fit for bending, lifting and climbing ladders
• Willing to start at sunrise
• Careful with fruit, since bruised fruit is rejected
• Able to work outdoors in heat, cold and rain
• Follows farm hygiene and safety rules

• Previous harvest or picking experience
• Tractor or quad bike experience
• Living on or near the farm

• Farm transport from nearby towns
• Chance of a permanent post after good seasons
• Piece-rate bonus on top of daily wage
• Seasonal accommodation on some farms

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