Are you searching for a fun seasonal job that can provide you with a decent income? Look no further than fruit-picking jobs. Over the years, people from around the world browse for available fruit-picking jobs, with thousands of individuals targeting their searches towards Canada, one of the world’s biggest labor markets.
While fruit picking may not be an ideal job for someone who has spent years in school to obtain degrees such as a Master’s, Ph.D., or BS.C, it could be a good option for those with little or no certification as it typically requires that you can lift at least 50 pounds (23 kg) and work long hours outdoor.
That said, let’s explore this career path and see what it has in store for those who may want to work as fruit pickers in Canada.
Steps to Apply for Fruit Picker Jobs In Canada
To apply for fruit picker jobs in Canada, you can follow these simple steps:
Research Job Openings
There are so many websites out there where you can research to find fruit-picking jobs in Canada. A thorough research through these websites should land you an awaiting job even before you prepare to arrive in Canada. Here are some of the best websites to find fruit-picking jobs in Canada:
- The Canadian Job Bank
- Indeed.ca
- Glassdoor
- BC Fruit Grower Association
- BC Cherry Association
- Jealous Fruits Recruitment
- Carcajou Fruit
These websites will not only bring available fruit-picking jobs right in front of your screen but also give you tips on what to expect as an employee and the basic requirements needed to secure the job.
Get Your Visa Program
To be considered eligible to work in Canada, you will likely need to apply for a visa program, especially if you are a non-resident. This may include having a work permit or visa, depending on your country of origin. As we all know, fruit picking is a seasonal job, so you may want to apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit or a Canada Working Holiday Visa.
What Is a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit?
A Temporary Foreign Worker Permit is a work visa that allows you to work for a specific designated employer in Canada for a specified period until the contract is fulfilled. To apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit, you must be a legal citizen from any of the following countries:
- Mexico
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts-Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
If you are from any of these countries, you may likely have to apply for your worker’s permit under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
What Is a Canada Working Holiday Visa?
A Canada holiday visa, often called a visitor visa or a tourist visa, is a temporary resident visa that allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for leisure, tourism, or to visit family and friends.
However, while it may seem like a holiday-oriented permit visa for foreigners, it allows you to move freely from job to job until the period of your working holiday visa expires, typically spanning between 12 to 24 months.
Here is a list of countries eligible to apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa and their respective age requirements and duration. Check to see if your country is on the list:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea Republic
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Prepare a Resume
After you have undergone the first two steps, you may likely want to create a resume highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Your resume will enable the employer(s) to have in-depth knowledge about what you can do, providing you with higher chances of getting hired. However, it is important that you include any past agriculture or farming work in your resume before applying.
Apply for the Job
At this point, you have your well-written resume, you have secured the best visa program to ensure you can work in Canada, and you have ticked the potential employers hiring fruit pickers. Once you have all of these in check, all you need to do is apply for the job head-on.
Ensure you provide the necessary documentation and fill out all necessary information during your application. We suggest that you apply to as many available fruit-picking jobs as possible in case one farm rejects you, another may accept you.
However, you may need to sit for an interview or write a test if the employer(s) deem you fit for the job. But before then, you may have to wait a week or two to get their feedback.
Requirements to Work as a Fruit Picker In Canada
Here are the requirements you will need to work as a fruit picker in Canada:
Skills
● Physical fitness
● Attention to detail
● Hand-eye coordination
● Teamwork
● Time management
Qualifications
● High school diploma (typically not required)
● Work permit or Canadian citizenship
● Basic English language proficiency
Necessary Requirements
● Legal working age in the province (typically between ages 18 to 35)
● Valid identification
● Seasonal employment availability
List of Regions In Canada with Available Fruit Picking Jobs In 2023
Are you interested in fruit picking in Canada? Here is a list of regions where you can find available fruit picker jobs in the country in 2023:
JOB TITLE NO. OF VACANCIES LOCATION
- Apple Picker 350 Ontario, Canada
- Cherry Picker 115 British Columbia, Canada
- Fruit or Vegetable Picker 450 Ontario, Canada
- Citrus Picker 120 Montreal, Canada
- Strawberry Selecting and Packaging 480 Toronto, Canada
- Blueberry Picker 80 Calgary, Canada
- Grapes Selecting 75 Calgary, Canada
- Tomato Picker and Packer 200 Toronto, Canada
Types of Fruit Selecting/Picking Jobs In Canada
Over the years, fruit-picking jobs have proven to be one of the hottest jobs, requiring little effort. You do not need to have a hard skill to take on the job role of picking fruits. Here are different types of fruit selecting/picking jobs that may be available in Canada right now:
● Apple picking jobs
● Grape picking jobs
● Plum picking jobs
● Peach picking jobs
● Prune picking jobs
● Cherry picking jobs
● Strawberry picking jobs
● Raspberry picking jobs, etc.
How Much Fruit Pickers Get Paid In Canada
Are you still wondering whether or not you can earn a living picking fruit in Canada? Well, the answer is Yes! Probably, anyone who enjoys working on the farm can make a living out of this career path.
Fruit pickers in Canada earn a decent amount of money for the job they do, and according to our recent research, the average fruit picker in Canada earns around $27,300 per year, equivalent to a $14 hourly rate.
Mind you, this is the general wage entry-level workers earn in a year. On the other hand, well-experienced staff make as much as $30,284 or even more per year. How well you know the job determines how much you can earn as a fruit picker. In other words, your experience level counts in a job like this
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Job Roles of a Fruit Picker?
A fruit picker is responsible for the following:
- Cleaning crop
- Grading
- Hand harvesting vegetables
- Hoeing crops
- Picking row and orchard crops
- Stone and wood picking
- Writing daily basic progress reports
- Cleaning work area
- Sorting and packing fruits and vegetables
- Loading, unloading, and transferring crates, supplies, and farm produce, livestock, and poultry
What Is the Average Work Hours per Day for a Fruit Picker In Canada?
Fruit-picking jobs often require long hours of outdoor work. On average, fruit pickers in Canada typically work between 8 to 10 hours per day, depending on the specific farm and the type of fruit being harvested.
Is Fruit Picking Worth It In 2023?
Yes, fruit picking can be worth it for those seeking seasonal employment, outdoor work, and a source of income. However, it’s important to weigh the physical demands and lack of long-term stability before committing.
Are there any Pros and Cons of Fruit Picking Jobs In Canada?
Yes, there are benefits and drawbacks of fruit picking jobs in Canada; hence, it is vital that you consider these before engaging in this job type:
Pros
● Seasonal Income: Fruit picking provides a source of income during the harvest season, which can be especially helpful for students or those seeking temporary work.
● Outdoor Experience: It offers the opportunity to work outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and connect with nature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy the outdoors.
● Physical Activity: Fruit picking can be physically demanding, offering a form of exercise as you work, which can be a pro for those looking to stay active.
Cons
● Seasonal Nature: One major drawback is the seasonality of the work, which means job security can be limited, and income may not be consistent throughout the year.
● Physically Demanding: The labor involved can be strenuous, involving repetitive motions and long hours, leading to fatigue and potential injuries.
● Low Wages: In some regions, fruit-picking jobs may offer low wages, making it challenging to meet financial needs, especially if it’s your primary source of income.
Conclusion
Fruit-picking jobs in Canada offer an enticing seasonal employment opportunity, attracting job seekers worldwide. To apply, research job openings on websites like the Canadian Job Bank or Indeed.ca. However, international applicants may require a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit or a Canada Working Holiday Visa to work in the country.
Furthermore, crafting a detailed resume highlighting relevant skills and previous agricultural experience can enhance your chances of landing a position. Apply to multiple farms, as interview processes may vary. In 2023, various regions in Canada have openings for roles like apple pickers, cherry pickers, and more, with an average yearly income of around $27,300.