Fruit Picker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s health-conscious society, the focus on fruit pickers has never been greater.

As the demand for fresh produce surges, the call for skillful hands who can meticulously pick, sort, and manage our fruit supply becomes more urgent.

But let’s pick apart the details: What’s really expected from a fruit picker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of fruit picking,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable fruit picker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Fruit Picker Duties and Responsibilities

Fruit Pickers perform a variety of tasks related to the harvesting of fruits, ensuring that produce is picked at optimum maturity and in good condition.

They are required to work with their hands and use specialized tools to harvest fruits without causing damage.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Identify ripe, mature fruits for harvesting based on color, size and condition
• Pick fruits gently without damaging the product or the plant
• Operate machinery or use hand tools to harvest fruits at heights
• Pack fruits carefully to prevent damage during transportation
• Sort fruits according to size, ripeness and type
• Discard rotten or damaged fruits
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, including cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment
• Participate in routine inspection and maintenance of fruit trees or plants
• Adhere to safety protocols and procedures to prevent injuries
• Report any issues or irregularities to the farm supervisor

 

Fruit Picker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a diligent fruit picker to work in our orchards.

The fruit picker’s responsibilities include identifying fruits that are ripe and ready for harvesting, using ladders to access hanging fruits, and carrying and transporting picked fruits.

Our ideal candidates have physical stamina, are able to work in varying weather conditions, and follow all fruit picking standards and operations.

Ultimately, the role of the fruit picker is to efficiently and carefully harvest ripe fruits to ensure the highest quality produce for our customers.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify fruits that are ripe and ready for harvesting
• Use ladders to pick fruits that are out of reach
• Carry, transport, and store picked fruits carefully
• Maintain clean and organized work areas
• Follow all safety standards and procedures
• Report any issues to the supervisor promptly
• Work effectively within a team to maximize productivity
• Perform other farm-related duties as required

 

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications are required
• Prior experience in a similar role is a plus
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Excellent hand-eye coordination
• High level of physical fitness and stamina
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Seasonal work
• Opportunity to work in a natural, outdoor environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fruit Picker
• Work Environment: Outdoor orchards, often in varying weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Orchard Supervisor or Farm Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and the volume of fruit picked.
• Pay Range: Based on piece rate system (per basket/bushel, for example) or hourly rate
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
• Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-time or Part-time
• 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 any relevant experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Fruit Picker Do?

Fruit Pickers are typically employed by farmers, fruit growers, or companies that specialize in fruit harvesting and production.

They are crucial to the agricultural sector, particularly in areas with large fruit farms and orchards.

The primary responsibility of a Fruit Picker is to harvest ripe fruits from trees and bushes without damaging the produce or the plant.

They use their hands, or tools such as clippers and fruit picking poles, to carefully pick the fruit.

Fruit Pickers must be able to identify ripe fruit ready for harvesting.

They also need to be skilled at handling the fruit gently to avoid bruising or damaging it.

In addition to picking the fruit, they are often responsible for sorting and packing the produce into boxes or crates.

This involves inspecting the fruit for quality and discarding any damaged or rotten fruit.

Fruit Pickers must also follow safety protocols to ensure their wellbeing and the welfare of the crops.

This may include wearing appropriate attire, using ladders safely, and handling equipment correctly.

Fruit Pickers often work long hours, especially during the peak harvesting season.

The job can be physically demanding, requiring them to work outdoors in all weather conditions and often involves repeated bending, lifting, and carrying.

Despite the laborious nature of the work, Fruit Pickers play an essential role in the food supply chain, helping to bring fresh produce from farms to tables around the world.

 

Fruit Picker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient fruit picker should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the nature of the work, including:

• Physical fitness and stamina to stay on their feet, lift, and bend for extended periods of time.
• Hand-eye coordination and dexterity to carefully handle and pick fruits without causing damage.
• Knowledge of different fruit species and the ability to identify ripe fruits ready for picking.
• Attention to detail to ensure the quality of picked fruits and prevent the selection of overripe or damaged ones.
• Time management skills to efficiently pick a large number of fruits within a specified time.
• Ability to work under varying weather conditions, as the job often requires working outdoors.
• Teamwork skills to coordinate effectively with other pickers and farm staff.
• Problem-solving skills to address any challenges that may arise during the picking process.

 

Fruit Picker Experience Requirements

Fruit pickers typically require minimal experience, as many of the necessary skills can be learned on the job.

However, having a few months to a year of experience in agricultural or manual labor can be beneficial, as this work can be physically demanding.

For those new to the role, participating in a brief training or orientation period can help familiarize them with the specifics of the job, such as the correct techniques for picking different types of fruit, handling tools, and understanding safety protocols.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience in fruit picking or similar roles will have developed the necessary physical stamina, hand-eye coordination, and knowledge of fruit varieties, making them suitable for more challenging tasks or supervision roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have gained managerial experience, such as overseeing groups of pickers, training new employees, or coordinating picking schedules and could be ready for a team-lead or supervisory position.

 

Fruit Picker Education and Training Requirements

There are no formal education requirements to become a Fruit Picker, though a high school diploma may be preferred by some employers.

No specific training is generally required as the skills needed are usually learned on the job.

However, knowledge of the types of fruits being picked, how to handle them without causing damage, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently are all beneficial.

Fruit Pickers also need to have a good level of physical fitness, as the role involves lifting, bending, and standing for long periods of time, often in hot conditions.

For those looking to progress in the agricultural sector, having experience as a Fruit Picker can be beneficial.

Some may choose to complete a certification in horticulture or a related field to advance their career.

Knowledge of safety procedures and the use of picking tools and machinery may also be beneficial.

Some employers may offer on-the-job training for these aspects.

 

Fruit Picker Salary Expectations

A Fruit Picker can expect to earn an average wage of $12.96 (USD) per hour.

This wage may vary depending on the region, the type of fruit being picked, and the employer’s pay policies.

Seasonal bonuses or productivity incentives may also affect overall earnings.

 

Fruit Picker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a fruit picker need?

Fruit pickers need to have physical stamina as the job involves long hours of standing, climbing, bending and lifting.

They should also have good hand-eye coordination to pick fruits without damaging them and the ability to work well in a team.

Knowledge of different types of fruits and their ripeness is also beneficial.

 

Do fruit pickers require any specific qualifications?

Generally, fruit pickers do not require specific qualifications as training is often provided on the job.

However, a background in agriculture or a related field can be beneficial.

The job mainly requires physical strength, endurance, and the ability to work in varying weather conditions.

 

What should you look for in a fruit picker resume?

Look for evidence of physical fitness, experience in similar roles, and the ability to follow instructions well.

Any agricultural or horticultural knowledge or experience can be a bonus.

It’s also important to look for signs of reliability and commitment as the role can be demanding.

 

What qualities make a good fruit picker?

A good fruit picker is physically fit and able to perform labor-intensive tasks over a long period.

They should be reliable, hardworking and able to work quickly without compromising the quality of the fruit.

Good fruit pickers also have knowledge of different fruit types and their respective ripening indicators.

 

How physically demanding is the job of a fruit picker?

Fruit picking is a physically demanding job.

It involves standing, bending, and lifting for long hours often in outdoor environments.

The fruit picker might also have to climb trees or ladders to reach fruits.

Therefore, it requires physical stamina and strength.

It’s important for fruit pickers to stay hydrated and take breaks when necessary to prevent injury.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the fruitful world of being a fruit picker.

And you know what?

It’s not just about picking fruit.

It’s about nourishing our world, one piece of fruit at a time.

With our comprehensive fruit picker job description template and realistic examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for cultivating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of fruit picked is part of a larger harvest.

Let’s nourish that future. Together.

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