Fruit and Vegetable Picker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of health consciousness, the focus on Fruit and Vegetable Pickers has never been more significant.

The demand for fresh produce continues to rise, and with each harvest, the need for skilled hands who can carefully select, gather, and preserve our fruits and vegetables grows.

But let’s unearth the details: What’s truly expected from a Fruit and Vegetable Picker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of fruit and vegetable picking,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Fruit and Vegetable Picker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Duties and Responsibilities

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers perform a range of tasks related to the harvesting of fruits and vegetables directly from the plants and trees.

They primarily work in farm fields, orchards, and greenhouses.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Picking fruits and vegetables from plants or trees manually or using picking tools
• Sorting and packing the picked produce in containers, ensuring that they meet the quality standards
• Transporting the harvested produce to the packing area
• Examining produce for quality and removing damaged or rotting items
• Keeping records of crops picked
• Maintaining farm equipment and machinery
• Adhering to all safety protocols and farm policies
• Assisting with crop planting and field preparation
• Pruning plants or trees to increase quality and yield of crops
• Identifying plant diseases and pests and reporting to the supervisor

 

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Fruit and Vegetable Picker to join our team.

The Fruit and Vegetable Picker’s responsibilities include manually picking ripe fruits and vegetables, identifying produce of acceptable standard, and handling, packaging, and storing produce in preparation for shipping.

Our ideal candidate is physically fit, has a good eye for detail, and can spend long periods of time standing or kneeling.

Knowledge of various fruits and vegetables and the right time to pick them would be advantageous.

 

Responsibilities

• Physically picking fruits and vegetables by hand
• Inspecting produce to ensure they meet minimum quality standards
• Handling, packaging, and storing the produce properly to prevent damage
• Maintaining a clean and organized working environment
• Adhering to health and safety regulations and procedures
• Record keeping of harvested produce
• Reporting issues with crops or equipment to the supervisor

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role would be beneficial
• Physical strength and stamina to pick and carry heavy produce and stand or kneel for long periods
• Able to work in various weather conditions
• Good eye for detail
• Basic numeracy skills for counting and recording produce
• Knowledge of various fruits and vegetables and their harvesting times would be advantageous

 

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee discount on farm produce

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fruit and Vegetable Picker
• Work Environment: Outdoor farm environment with exposure to various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Supervisor or Farm Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time/Seasonal (depending on the nature of the job)
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a brief description of your experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Fruit and Vegetable Picker Do?

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers are primarily employed in the agricultural sector, working in farms, orchards, and greenhouses.

They can also work for private families, organic stores, or large food producing companies.

Their main responsibility is to manually harvest and pick various types of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

They also ensure that the picked produce meets the quality standards by examining them for any signs of rot, damage or pests.

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers are typically required to follow strict guidelines for picking fruits and vegetables to avoid damaging crops and to ensure the freshness of the produce.

They may also use ladders or mechanical lift equipment to reach high branches when harvesting tree fruits.

Another key aspect of their job involves sorting and packing the produce efficiently and carefully.

They often work in teams and need to be quick in order to maximize yield and productivity.

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers may also perform other farm-related tasks like planting, watering, pruning, and fertilizing crops.

They may also be responsible for maintaining farm equipment and machinery.

As they work outdoors, they must be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions and must also adhere to safety protocols to prevent injuries.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Qualifications and Skills

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers need to have certain skills and qualifications to carry out their work effectively, including:

• Physical strength and stamina to work in fields and orchards, which includes tasks such as bending, lifting, and carrying picked produce.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently and carefully pick fruits and vegetables without damaging them.
• Knowledge about different types of fruits and vegetables and the ideal time to pick each type to ensure optimum quality.
• Effective time management skills to complete the assigned tasks within a given timeframe, ensuring productivity.
• Attention to detail to spot any signs of disease or pest activity and report the same to supervisors.
• Ability to work in a team, coordinate with other pickers, and follow instructions from supervisors.
• Understanding of safety procedures while using equipment and working in the field.
• Adaptability to work in varying weather conditions, as the job often requires being outdoors.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Experience Requirements

Entry-level fruit and vegetable pickers generally require no prior experience, as they are often trained on the job under the supervision of seasoned workers or farm managers.

Many farms offer seasonal work, which presents an excellent opportunity for workers to gain experience in this role.

It’s a physically demanding job that requires skills such as manual dexterity, coordination, and the ability to work in varying weather conditions.

For workers who have gained one to two years of experience in picking fruits and vegetables, they are often able to work more independently, with less supervision, and potentially handle more complex tasks such as managing the harvest of particular crop sections.

Those with more than three years of experience might have developed additional skills, such as the ability to operate machinery used in harvest, manage teams of workers, or oversee quality control measures.

This experience could prepare them for supervisory roles or other advanced positions within the agricultural industry.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Education and Training Requirements

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers typically require no formal education, as most of the skills necessary for this work can be learned on the job.

However, a basic understanding of agricultural practices and crop cultivation can be beneficial.

This can be gained through high school level agricultural science courses or through vocational training programs.

In some regions, especially those with large-scale agricultural production, there may be short-term training programs or workshops available that provide instruction on safe and efficient picking methods, as well as information on crop ripeness and handling.

Knowledge in the safe operation of farm machinery, such as tractors or conveyor belts, may be necessary for some picking jobs, and this may require specific training or certification.

Though not usually required, a good level of physical fitness is often beneficial, as the work can be physically demanding.

Similarly, a basic understanding of first aid could also be helpful due to the physical nature of the work.

Some pickers may choose to pursue further education in agriculture or horticulture, either to improve their skills or with the aim of progressing to more advanced roles within the agricultural sector.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Salary Expectations

A Fruit and Vegetable Picker can expect to earn an average wage of $12.29 (USD) per hour.

This income can fluctuate based on factors such as the picker’s speed and efficiency, the location of the farm, and the specific crops being harvested.

 

Fruit and Vegetable Picker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Fruit and Vegetable Picker need?

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers should possess good physical stamina as the job involves continuous bending, lifting, and kneeling.

They must have good hand-eye coordination to pick the right fruits or vegetables without damaging them.

Basic knowledge about different fruits and vegetables and understanding their ripening signs is also beneficial.

 

Do Fruit and Vegetable Pickers need a degree?

Fruit and Vegetable Pickers do not need a formal degree.

However, they should have a basic understanding of farming practices and knowledge of different fruits and vegetables.

On-site training is usually provided to help them understand the picking standards and procedures.

 

What should you look for in a Fruit and Vegetable Picker resume?

While hiring a Fruit and Vegetable Picker, look for prior experience in farming or picking jobs.

Also, see if they have experience in operating farm equipment.

Check if they can work in outdoor conditions and possess the physical stamina required for the job.

 

What qualities make a good Fruit and Vegetable Picker?

A good Fruit and Vegetable Picker is diligent, detail-oriented, and has a good understanding of different fruits and vegetables.

They should be physically fit and capable of working in varying weather conditions.

Excellent time management skills and the ability to work in a team are other important qualities.

 

What are the working conditions for a Fruit and Vegetable Picker?

The work of a Fruit and Vegetable Picker is physically demanding as it involves continuous lifting, bending, and kneeling.

They often work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.

The job might require them to start early in the morning or work during weekends, depending on the season and the crops.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of being a fruit and vegetable picker.

And you know what?

It’s not just about picking produce.

It’s about cultivating the very foundation of our food supply, one fruit or vegetable at a time.

With our handy fruit and vegetable picker job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your secret tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each fruit or vegetable you pick is part of a much larger harvest.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

How to Become a Fruit and Vegetable Picker (Complete Guide)

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