Seasonal Orchard Worker (Harvesting) 2025/2026

Suncrest Orchard; Tankerton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A cherry orchard in the UK is seeking cherry pickers for the export season, which runs from December to February. You'll work outdoors, using a ladder to pick cherries, and be compensated based on the weight of fruit picked. No prior experience is necessary, and a positive attitude is valued. Accommodation options are available on-site, creating a great team environment.

Benefits

End of Season Bonus

Accommodation available

Great team environment

Qualifications

• Enjoy working outside.
• Have a good level of fitness.
• Enjoy working as part of a team.
• Positive can-do attitude.
• Reliable and punctual.

Responsibilities

• Climb ladder to harvest cherries.
• Pick cherries efficiently to maximize earnings.
• Carry picking harness and bucket.

Skills

Good level of fitness

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Reliability

Job description

About the role

Our cherry export season begins in early December and goes through until late January / early February, weather permitting.

Pickers use a 2.7 metre ladder to harvest the cherries - you are climbing up and down the ladder throughout the day and carrying the ladder between blocks. You are provided with a picking harness which holds your 5kg bucket hands-free, whilst you pick.

No experience is required as we will teach you efficient picking techniques and the best way to pick cherries to improve your productivity and to prevent damage to the fruit.

Payment, Hours and Accommodation:

• Payment is performance-based. You will be paid per kg of fruit you pick - the more you pick, the more you are paid. Rates can vary with variety, growing system, rain damage and the type of picking required (for example, bunch picking, colour picking or singulation). Motivated pickers can earn well in excess of the minimum wage.
• We pay an End of Season Bonus to eligible cherry pickers who work until the end of our cherry export season.
• Work generally starts at 6.00am and daily hours are generally 7-9 hours although work can be interrupted by weather and crop maturity.
• We guarantee a minimum of 32 hours of work per week.
• We offer fixed term agreements.
• We have a range of accommodation available on the orchard.
• Great team environment.

Job Requirements

• You enjoy working outside.
• You have a good level of fitness.
• You enjoy working as part of a team.
• You are self-motivated.
• You have a positive can-do attitude.
• You are reliable and punctual.

It’s a great way to learn a new skill, earn money and meet a great bunch of people.

We require a CV as part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your CV is up to date and in English, including previous work experience, duties, and time frames. If you have worked in NZ, please include all relevant details.