Cherry Packing

Cherry packing jobs are paid on an hourly rate (with the exception of box folding). The hours may vary. However we can be flexible with rostering shifts to support people who have school aged children. The job is well suited for local residents. As the cherry season runs through Summer, shed work can be hot so we encourage people to bring cool water to drink. Depending on the length of shifts as to what breaks are provided throughout. 

There are various tasks within the packing shed which are designated by the packing shed staff.

Cherry sorting involves removing any damaged fruit that comes down the conveyor belt (which already grades the fruit by size) and then placing full boxes to one side. The work is fast paced and requires people to stand for long periods. It is required that packers wear closed toe, non-slip shoes, a head covering (hair nets are available if required) and gloves (provided). Aprons and ear plugs are also available on request. 

Box folding is another important role which is paid on a piecework rate per 500 boxes. Boxes are folded and bags placed inside. The box folders are also required to keep the chutes loaded so that the sorters can keep up with the cherry grader. Box folders are required to keep track of how many boxes they have folded within a shift and to note this on their sign-in sheet.

Floor staff are chosen based on merit, strength and skill as the role is very fast paced and requires multi-tasking and quick problem solving skills. The job involves quality assurance, closing over the fresh-care bags, placing lids on boxes, labelling boxes, stacking them on mini-pallets and using trollies to move boxes to the cool-room. Here they are stored according to variety and size before being stacked onto pallets ready to be shipped. Accurate record keeping of what is stacked on each pallet is essential. Floor staff also oversee that the box chutes are filled, waste bins are replaced and that the grader is always loaded with fruit. A forklift license is a handy qualification, although not essential to complete the majority of the tasks.

If you would like to apply for a packing position, please let us know via our main employment page.