Orchard Worker (Pruning and Thinning)

Harvest time on a berry tunnel farm near Worcester means early mornings, full crates and paid overtime. If you like clear targets and knowing where you stand, this is for you.

Home base is a berry tunnel farm on the Worcester side of Western Cape. The first two weeks are spent shadowing someone experienced.

• Prune and thin fruit trees and vines to the farm's method
• Fill crates or bins and carry them to the collection point
• Follow the re-entry times after spraying, as the signs show
• Tie up tomato and pepper plants in tunnels
• Pick fruit or vegetables at the right ripeness and size, gently

• Physically fit for bending, lifting and climbing ladders
• Available for the full harvest season
• Able to work outdoors in heat, cold and rain
• Willing to start at sunrise
• Careful with fruit, since bruised fruit is rejected

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

• Have your bank details ready. Most farms pay into a bank account and will not start you without it.
• Farms hire before the season starts, so apply four to six weeks early. Late arrivals often find the teams already full.