Looking for a summer adventure while earning some extra cash?

Sign up with BC Fruit Works and have the experience of a lifetime!

Want a taste of the sweet life?

This summer, spend your time enjoying the fresh air working as a Branch Hand at an orchard or vineyard, surrounded by the natural beauty of the British Columbia Interior.

Work with a friendly and supportive team, make lifelong friends from across Canada and around the world, and get a great workout while soaking up the sun.

And imagine the feeling of knowing that while you’re having the summer experience of a lifetime, your work is protecting our food supply, enhancing the availability of Canadian-grown produce, and supporting the Canadian farming community.

It just doesn’t get any better!

Never done this type of work before?
No worries!

You’ll receive on-site training and quickly learn a thing or two from the more experienced Branch Hands on the team!

What can I expect?

Take a look at this video, courtesy of Dorenberg Orchards, for a glimpse into the work of a Branch Hand and the types of people you will meet.

The work of a Branch Hand (seasonal agricultural worker) is physically demanding:

  • Orchard work requires that you work outdoors during the hottest time of the year. It also requires good hand-eye coordination. Shifts often start at first light to avoid the heat of the day.
  • On the other hand, packing-house work is done inside under cover, in conditions that are nice and cold to keep fruit fresh. You’ll want to be prepared with warm clothes. Shifts often start after noon when fruit starts arriving from the orchards. You’ll spend much time on your feet, helping to ensure the packing lines run smoothly.

And while it is a hard day’s work, it’s also fun, rewarding, and makes you feel alive!

Wages for picking can vary from grower to grower but are typically by volume (piece rate) or by the hour. Packing-house work is generally paid by the hour. Details will be included in the job postings. Many growers offer bonuses as well, including cash-in-hand, end-of-season, and work quality bonuses.

To learn more about what to expect, including the work and lifestyle, click here

Branch Hand work is the ideal summer job for…

  • Singles and couples who prefer to undertake seasonal “gig” work to support a lifestyle that features travel or other seasonal work in the off-season
  • Canadians who are looking for summer work where they can meet interesting people from around the world
  • CEGEP, college or university students looking for a mix of rewarding summer work and a unique adventure
  • Students studying agriculture, food sciences, nutrition, or environmental sciences, looking for experience related to their field of study or interest
  • “Weekend Warriors”
  • Individuals who would like to make some extra money without a long-term commitment
  • International youth with work abroad visas
  • People wanting to supplement their income, or fund extras such as a winter vacation or home renovation
  • Locals who are part-timers, casual workers, or looking for a new opportunity

Where are the orchards and vineyards located?

The orchards and vineyards are located in the BC Interior, which includes the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys as well as the Creston Valley.

More specifically, they are located in Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, and Creston.

When does the season start?

You can use the following chart as a guideline for seasonal work at participating orchards and vineyards. However, work may start and/or end earlier or later, depending on weather conditions.

Branch Hands can choose gigs throughout the season, based on their availability to work and opportunities posted by the growers.

Seasonal Work Opportunities in the Okanagan

Work eligibility

You must be at least 16 years old, located in Canada, and legally allowed to work in Canada in 2023 OR a young adult (18-35) with a working holiday visa in Canada (IEC program).

In order to receive job opportunities via text, you must have a Canadian cell phone number.

Who are we?

We are BC Fruit Works, a collaboration between the BC Cherry Association, BC Fruit Grower’s Association, BC Grapegrowers’ Association, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Our mission is to connect fruit growers in the BC Interior with seasonal job seekers in Canada looking for summer work at orchards or vineyards.

The program is designed to entice Canadians to work at BC orchards and vineyards as “Branch Hands” (seasonal agricultural workers) to enhance the availability of locally grown produce, support the Canadian farming community and make it easier for growers to find and hire Canadian seasonal workers.