Harvester / Picker

Harvesters or pickers manually extract crops from orchards or fields ensuring that quality is not compromised during the handling process. They select crops to harvest according to size and ripeness and discard overripe produce. They load harvested produce onto containers or bundles and move them to collection sites where they are sorted and packed. Some harvesters or pickers operate special handheld equipment for specific crops such as nuts, for example.

Harvesters or pickers work in small teams on farms and are exposed to the natural elements. They work with ladders, mechanical hoists, spades and other equipment and are required to wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots and overalls. Work can be seasonal, depending on the crop.

Skills

Harvesters or pickers need to be able to identify crops and know when and how to pick crops without causing damage, and will also benefit from:

• Physical stamina and strength
• Foundational measuring and mathematical ability
• Basic machine and mechanical operating capability
• Ability to work as part of a team

Tasks

Select and harvest crops according to size, shape and colour

Load crops into containers or bind crops into manageable bundles and bales

Prepare work sites and strategically manage crops into workable units

Transport crops to collection sites, preparing and assisting the loading of goods onto conveyors, trucks, trailers or containers

Skills

Harvesters or pickers can benefit from a National Certificate in Primary Agriculture in Plant Production at National Qualifications Framework Levels 1 to 2 offered at agricultural colleges and most Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced farm worker.

Employers

Farms.