Bucket Runner

Central Orchard Management Ltd.; Cromwell Community; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free transport

Performance bonus

Outdoor work

Job summary

PickNZ in Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand is seeking a Bucket Runner for the summer harvest season (Dec 2026–Feb 2027). You will collect buckets, monitor bin numbers, assess fruit quality and report issues, working closely with team leads to keep the harvest moving efficiently.

The role requires early starts, 6:00–7:00 am, with hours changing daily during peak times and weekend work may be needed. Training is provided for quad bike use, and there is free transport to orchards.

Qualifications

• No orchard experience required; reliability and readiness to take responsibility.
• Physically fit and able to carry buckets (~5 kg).
• Willingness to work long/irregular hours during peak season.

Responsibilities

• Collect full cherry buckets and transport to bin area.
• Monitor bin numbers; ensure bin cards are filled and attached.
• Assess fruit quality and bucket fill levels.
• Identify and report quality or workflow issues to the Team Leader.
• Assist with loading trucks/trailers and moving bins as needed.

Skills

Physical fitness

Reliability

Responsibility

Quality focus

Machinery familiarity

Safety awareness

Communication

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Tools

Quad bike operation

Job description

BUCKET RUNNER WANTED - KEEP THE CHERRY HARVEST MOVING

Location: Cromwell & surrounding areas, Central Otago, New Zealand
Season: Summer 26/27 (December 2026 - January/February 2027)
Job Type: Seasonal Work | Free transport

Be a key part of the cherry harvest as a Bucket Runner.

About the Role

As a bucket runner, you'll collect buckets, monitor fruit quality and work closely with team leads to keep the harvest running smoothly.

What the job involves:

• Collecting full cherry buckets and taking them to the bin area
• Monitoring bin numbers and making sure bin cards are filled out and attached
• Assessing fruit quality and checking bucket fill levels
• Identifying and reporting quality or workflow issues to the Team Leader
• Assisting with loading trucks/trailers and moving bins where required

Working hours & flexibility

Cherry harvest is a 7-day operation during peak periods, so flexibility and availability are important.

• Early morning starts, generally between 6:00-7:00 am
• Daily start times and hours can change from day to day, depending on fruit maturity, weather and harvest requirements
• Work may sometimes be adjusted at short notice, including changes to the planned start time or finish time
• Weekend work is required during the peak harvest period
• Work is generally organised around the needs of the orchard, with hours and days varying throughout the season

Being flexible and able to adapt to changing harvest conditions is an important part of working in the orchard during cherry season.

What We're Looking For

You don't need previous orchard experience. We're looking for someone who is reliable, switched-on and ready to take responsibility.

You are:

• Physically fit – comfortable carrying 2-4 buckets (around 5kg each) and being on the move all day is no problem for you
• Responsible and reliable – you take ownership and think ahead
• Quality-focused – you care about the fruit and check it meets standards
• Comfortable with machinery – quad bike experience is useful, but training is provided
• Safety-conscious – you follow procedures and look after people, equipment and fruit
• A confident communicator – you work closely with pickers and team leads to keep things running smoothly
• Adaptable – able to respond quickly when conditions or priorities change

What You'll Get

• Good earning potential, reflecting experience and responsibility
• Free transport to and from the orchards
• Work with an international team
• Early starts and plenty of afternoon/evening free time
• Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance
• Supportive team that values communication and a good work ethic
• An active outdoor role in beautiful Central Otago

Join Us!

If you’re reliable, energetic and enjoy being trusted with responsibility, this could be the perfect summer role for you.

Work smart. Stay active. Keep the harvest moving.