Farm Workers

Never worked as a farm worker before? Here’s what to expect!

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Work eligibility

You must be at least 16 years old, located in Canada, and legally allowed to work in Canada in 2024 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.

Farm work is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding.

Orchards:

Outdoor work during the hottest part of the year
Requires good hand-eye coordination.

Packinghouses:

Indoor work in cold conditions to keep fruit fresh.
Warm clothing required.
Shifts often start after midday.
Prolonged standing to keep packing lines running smoothly.

Our growers have unique needs throughout the season.

Cherry and Apple Orchards: Pruning (orchard maintenance), harvesting, and packing fruit.

Vineyards: Pruning, canopy management, harvesting.

Work schedules vary based on the farm’s growth stage, harvest time, and weather conditions. For instance, during heat waves, shifts may start earlier to avoid peak heat. We prioritize your safety with mandatory hats and water bottles.

Experience and qualifications

Experience working in an agricultural setting may be a plus but is not required. Growers will provide training and support to anyone up for the challenge. And you get to work with some of the most seasoned farm workers in the world. They can show you a thing or two about how to be successful in your work.

Wages

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.

Ready to Sign Up? Click Here!

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The BC Interior is one of the most breathtaking places for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes set the scene with never-ending hiking trails, cycling paths, fishing, and water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

Looking to add a bit of travel to your summer between jobs? Vancouver, Whistler, and Revelstoke are just a short distance away, and definitely not to be missed.

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Accommodations for farm workers vary from orchard to orchard and vineyard to vineyard. Some growers/fruit packers have cabins or campsites on-site while others are located close to nearby independent campgrounds.

Some farm workers prefer to stay at nearby lodges, or perhaps with friends or family in the area. These are all popular options, whether traveling solo or in a group.

When applying for, or accepting a job, ask your employer for a recommendation. They get this question all the time!

What can I expect?

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

Farm Work Opportunities for Everyone

Farm work is open for anyone who can meet the physical demands of the job. Here are some of the people who succeed in these roles:

Singles and couples who prefer to undertake seasonal 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

Sign up here to register as a farm worker!

Sign up here to register as an employer!

Farm Workers Producers/Employers FAQs About Us

BC Fruit Works
Tel: (250) 859-2877
info@BCFruitWorks.com

Funding Acknowledgement

Funding Provided By:

The Government of British Columbia and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC are pleased to participate in the delivery of this website. We are committed to working with our industry partners to address issues of importance to the agriculture and agri-food industry in British Columbia. Opinions expressed in this website are those of BC Fruit Works and not necessarily those of the Investment Agriculture Foundation or the Government of British Columbia.

Collaborating organizations

BC Fruit Works is a collaborative initiative between the BC Cherry Association, BC Fruit Growers’ Association, BC Grapegrowers’

Association, BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

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