Fruit/Vegetable Picker
Fruit and Vegetable Pickers are responsible for harvesting ripe produce from farms and orchards. This hands-on role is crucial to the agricultural supply chain, ensuring that only the best-quality fruits and vegetables make their way to markets, grocery stores, and homes. The role suits individuals who enjoy physical activity, working outdoors, and being part of a seasonal or year-round agricultural team.
As a Fruit/Vegetable Picker, you will work in fields, orchards, or greenhouses, manually picking produce with care to avoid damage. You must be able to identify ripe, healthy produce based on color, size, and firmness. Depending on the crop and the farm’s practices, you may use ladders, picking tools, or containers to gather and transport harvested items. You’ll be expected to work efficiently and accurately, meeting daily quotas while maintaining high standards of quality.
The role often involves early morning starts and long hours during peak harvesting periods. You’ll need to work in various weather conditions, from heat to rain, and maintain a steady pace. This position can be seasonal but may lead to long-term employment or year-round opportunities depending on the location and type of produce.
- Harvesting fruits and/or vegetables by hand or with tools
- Identifying ripe and market-ready produce
- Sorting and packing produce into bins or crates
- Handling produce with care to prevent bruising or spoilage
- Cleaning work areas and disposing of plant waste
- Working quickly and efficiently to meet productivity targets
- Following safety and hygiene standards
- No formal education required; training provided on-site
- Physically fit with good stamina and endurance
- Ability to work long hours outdoors in different weather
- Keen eye for detail and produce quality
- Willingness to perform repetitive tasks
- Basic communication skills
- Previous farm or picking experience is beneficial but not essential
- Average hourly wage: $15 to $17 CAD
- Some employers offer piece-rate pay (based on quantity picked)
- Bonus pay and overtime may be available during peak harvest
- Two years’ Work Permit and apply for Immigrationunder the Agri Pilot Program OR PNP after 1 year of Canadian experience.
- Education - Minimum High School
- Experience - 1+ years
- IELTS - Overall 4.0
