Thanks for your interest in seasonal work on the orchard. This is a description of the work and conditions you are likely to encounter as an “as-and-when-required employee” at Suncrest Orchard.

Fruit thinning - this is the removal of small fruitlets off the trees to enable the remaining fruit to grow to the desired size for the required market. This job is done with scissors or by hand and the employee must be fit, able to climb to the top of a 9-foot ladder, able to carry the ladder about and place it in the appropriate position. You must be capable of working in the outdoors i.e. working in the sun or in cool conditions. You are paid either by the hour i.e. $14-50 including holiday pay, or by contract i.e. so much per tree - the rate varies and is agreed upon before the work commences on each variety.

Picking - this is the harvesting of the fruit to the required standard, and again this is physical work. The employee must be able to lift, manoeuvre and climb to the top of a 9-foot ladder. The employee must be capable of working long hours and be able to work in the outdoors i.e. in the heat. Most pickers are paid on a contract rate eg. for cherries the minimum bucket rate (5kg) is $4-75. The average picker will pick 30 of these buckets in an 8-hour day, but this depends very much upon the individual - some pick more, some pick less. You are required to pick a minimum number of buckets per 8-hour day in order to retain your position. There is occasionally hourly-rated picking, but this is limited and the pay rate is $14-50 including holiday pay.

Packing- This is the sorting of fruit into different grade standards. The job involves standing at a sorting table and the employee must be fit and have a good concentration span. The employee must be able to work long hours and work can be 7 days per week. There is limited contract packing but most of the work is hourly-rated - $14-50 including holiday pay.

Some points to consider:

• Work is determined by the weather. If it is raining, fruit cannot be harvested because it may be damaged. If it rains for a couple of days in a row during the cherry harvest, then the fruit may split and become unviable for harvesting. This doesn't happen often, but it can occur.
• Cherry picking and packing starts in mid to late December and continues through until early/ mid February, weather permitting. This is our peak season and prior to and after this period, we require fewer staff.
• We require our staff to be available when the fruit is ready to pick and pack, not when it suits them to turn up. We are very busy from mid December until early February and may require our staff, weather permitting, every day.

Accommodation
We have accommodation available on the orchard in single sex bunkrooms. Each bunkroom sleeps 16 and has its own kitchen and TV. Bathroom and laundry facilities are also provided for our staff staying on-site. Because everybody is working hard and requires a decent sleep, the following rules apply to those who stay in our accommodation. If you break these rules you will be asked to find alternative accommodation.

• No alcohol is to be consumed on the premises. There are plenty of pubs with courtesy coaches that would be pleased to accept your business should you wish to drink.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• No loud music or excessive noise after 10 o'clock at night. We have neighbours who value peace and quiet.

If you would like to apply for a position at Suncrest Orchard then please complete our online job application form

Michael Jones

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Suncrest Orchard Ltd • PO Box 19 • Cromwell • NEW ZEALAND Phone/Fax: +64 3 445 0275 • Employment Enquiries ph 027 2262 799 or 027 226 2791 • Email: