Orchard Worker (Pruning and Thinning)

Harvest time on a deciduous fruit orchard near Randburg means early mornings, full crates and paid overtime. If you like clear targets and knowing where you stand, this is for you.

The site is in Randburg; early starts mean public transport timing matters, so check your route before applying. The first two weeks are spent shadowing someone experienced.

• Keep your picking card or tag count for daily pay
• Tie up tomato and pepper plants in tunnels
• 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

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

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

• Seasonal accommodation on some farms
• Piece-rate bonus on top of daily wage
• 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.
• Have your bank details ready. Most farms pay into a bank account and will not start you without it.