Cherry picking starts early each morning so that people are not working during the hottest part of the day. Work is weather dependent as we do not work in the rain or if temperatures are too hot. This is not just for your benefit, but also so that the fruit is of the highest quality. We aim to finish work by 3pm each day.
Pickers are required to be on time, work until the end of a shift and to be available each day (unless previously arranged with our orchard staff). At the beginning of the season, work can be a little light as fruit varieties continue to ripen. From mid-November through until the end of the year there is work available every day and our staff requirements grow as more fruit reaches prime maturity. Pickers are entitled to a one-hour lunch break.
Picking work is paid on a piecework agreement according to how many full lugs are picked. A water-level filled lug holds about 15kg when full. Picking techniques can be refined with practice and quick pickers can earn good money. The current record for lugs picked in a day (6am-3pm) is 86 full lugs, although between 18-20 lugs is a good number to aim for.
Cherries should be picked so that the stem stays attached to the cherry. Picking leaves is discouraged.
We keep our trees pruned to a low height so that ladders are not required. Picking steps are provided to reach the higher parts of the tree.
It is required that pickers wear closed toe, non-slip shoes, and to dress appropriately for your surroundings. We recommend wearing long pants, long sleeved, collared shirt, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It is also essential to bring adequate drinking water. Picking buckets are provided before commencing employment with a refundable bond required.
More information will be provided during the induction training to be completed by successful applicants.
If you would like to apply for a picking position, please let us know via our main employment page.
Cherries are placed into a picking bucket which is then carefully tipped into a lug once full.
Eastlake's Family Tree
3923 Olympic Highway, Young New South Wales 2594, Australia
Copyright © 2023 Eastlake's Family Tree - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder