Seasonal Fruit Picker (Citrus Harvest) – Fixed-Term

Harvest time on a berry tunnel farm near Upington means early mornings, full crates and paid overtime. Someone who likes a bit of variety, but also likes doing things the right way, will enjoy this.

This post is Upington-based, with most of your time spent at a berry tunnel farm. Hours are mostly Monday to Friday, with the odd Saturday in busy months.

• Clean and store picking bags, ladders and secateurs
• Pick fruit or vegetables at the right ripeness and size, gently
• Tie up tomato and pepper plants in tunnels
• Keep your picking card or tag count for daily pay
• Weed beds by hand or with a hoe
• Wash hands and use the field toilets for food safety
• Follow the re-entry times after spraying, as the signs show

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

• Farm transport from nearby towns
• Piece-rate bonus on top of daily wage
• Seasonal accommodation on some farms
• 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.