Nursery Worker (Seedlings)

Outdoor work with your hands on a berry tunnel farm near Upington; no experience needed for most posts. If you learn fast and don't mind being shown things twice, you'll settle in within a few weeks.

Home base is a berry tunnel farm on the Upington side of Northern Cape. Start date: as soon as possible for the right person.

• Follow the re-entry times after spraying, as the signs show
• Move irrigation pipes and check drippers for blockages
• Wash hands and use the field toilets for food safety
• Weed beds by hand or with a hoe
• Keep your picking card or tag count for daily pay
• Prune and thin fruit trees and vines to the farm's method
• Clean and store picking bags, ladders and secateurs

• Valid ID or work permit
• Able to work outdoors in heat, cold and rain
• Careful with fruit, since bruised fruit is rejected
• Follows farm hygiene and safety rules

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

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

• 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.