Farm Assistant in the Netherlands (Greenhouse & Farm Sites)
This page describes a typical Farm Assistant role in the Netherlands, commonly in greenhouse and produce-handling environments. Assignments are project-based: the crop type, pace, and site rules vary by location (e.g., Friesland, Overijssel, and other provinces). If you are reliable, can work on your feet, and follow hygiene and safety routines, this role is a strong entry point into Dutch agriculture.
Hiring story (why teams are hiring)
Dutch growers scale teams in waves: planting, peak growth, harvesting, and intensive packing periods. When volumes rise, farms and greenhouses need dependable hands who can maintain quality, keep the workstation clean, and work at a steady pace.
Quick facts
Pay (gross)
€14.71–€17.50 per hour gross (indicative).
Rate depends on province, shift pattern, age brackets (youth wages may apply), experience, and overtime rules on the project.
Hours & schedule
Most sites run 38–40 hours/week, often with early starts.
Overtime and weekends depend on season and site demand.
Start & onboarding
Start dates are rolling (project-based).
You will receive site rules, hygiene instructions, and a basic safety briefing before starting.
Pay & allowances (gross)
The figures below are practical ranges for Farm Assistant assignments. Your final offer depends on the specific site and local arrangements. All amounts are shown as gross (brutto).
| Component | How it typically works |
|---|---|
| Base hourly pay | Commonly within €14.71–€17.50 gross/hour for adult workers; some projects apply step increases for experience or performance. |
| Shift / irregular hours | Where applicable, premiums may be used for early/late shifts or irregular hours (project rules vary). |
| Overtime | Overtime is not guaranteed; when used, it is paid according to the site’s rules and legal requirements. |
| Holiday allowance / leave | Typically included or accrued according to the employment setup; details are confirmed during onboarding. |
Day-to-day work (what you will do)
Typical tasks
- Pick, sort, or pack produce according to quality standards (size, ripeness, defects)
- Work on your feet in a steady pace environment (line work or greenhouse rows)
- Follow hygiene rules: clean hands/tools, proper handling, waste separation
- Labeling, weighing, or basic scanning depending on site setup
- Keep the workstation tidy and report issues (damage, spills, unsafe conditions)
A simple “first week” flow
- Site briefing: hygiene rules, workflow, safety basics, break areas
- Shadowing: you learn pace and quality checks next to an experienced worker
- Independent work: you take a station/row with periodic checks from a supervisor
- Stability phase: your main goal becomes consistency: speed + low error rate
Good performance is usually measured by attendance, accuracy, and maintaining a steady pace.
Requirements
Must-have
- Physical stamina for repetitive tasks and standing/walking most of the shift
- Reliability: punctuality and consistent attendance
- Ability to follow simple instructions and hygiene rules
- Basic communication in English for safety and teamwork
- CV in English is required for review and selection
Nice-to-have
- Experience in greenhouse, harvesting, packing, or food production
- Comfort with a faster line pace (packing/sorting)
- Driver’s license (helps on some projects; not always required)
- Understanding of basic quality grading (defects, sizes, labeling)
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- can keep a steady pace for several hours without losing accuracy
- prefer clear routines and practical tasks over office work
- take hygiene seriously and follow site rules consistently
- are comfortable working in warm greenhouse conditions or cooler packing areas (site dependent)
- can start early when required and adapt to seasonal peak weeks
- communicate simply and clearly with teammates and supervisors
- are ready to submit a CV and complete onboarding steps
This role is not for you if you…
- cannot handle repetitive tasks or standing/walking most of the shift
- struggle with hygiene rules (handwashing, clean work zones, proper handling)
- expect guaranteed overtime every week
- prefer fully independent work without supervision or quality checks
- are not prepared to provide a CV (required for selection)
Working conditions (schedule, overtime, safety)
Schedule
- Commonly 38–40 hours/week; start times depend on site and season
- Breaks follow site rules; punctual return is important
- Overtime and weekends may be used during peak periods (not guaranteed)
Safety & PPE
- Basic safety briefing is standard before starting
- PPE and hygiene items may be required (e.g., gloves, hairnet, safety shoes depending on site)
- Report hazards immediately: spills, damaged equipment, unsafe stacking
Tools are typically simple and task-specific (crates, trolleys, labeling devices, basic scanners). You are expected to handle materials carefully to avoid product damage.
Accommodation, travel & deductions (general)
Some projects can include accommodation or arranged transport; others require you to organize your own. This is confirmed after screening. Where costs are applicable, deductions can be used according to the employment setup and legal requirements.
When accommodation is provided
- Shared housing is common (room allocation depends on availability)
- House rules apply (quiet hours, cleanliness, visitor policy)
- Costs and deductions are communicated during onboarding
Transport
- Site commute can be by company transport, bike, or public options depending on project
- Driver’s license can be an advantage (not mandatory)
- Travel time and arrangements vary by location
Documents & legal work in the Netherlands (general)
Work authorization depends on your nationality and the specific employment arrangement. Final requirements are confirmed after screening and before assignment. Below is a practical checklist used on typical projects.
Basic documents
- Valid passport or national ID (as applicable)
- CV (English preferred) + any relevant experience proof (if available)
- Ability to complete onboarding forms and identity verification
- Background checks may apply for specific sites (role/location dependent)
Work authorization (high-level)
- EU/EEA candidates typically work under free movement rules
- Non-EU candidates may need employer-specific authorization (permit/visa/residence basis depends on profile and employer)
- Some projects require registration steps and local onboarding identifiers (handled during onboarding where applicable)
If you are unsure about your eligibility, submit your CV first — screening determines which projects match your status and profile.
FAQ
Is this greenhouse work, farm work, or packing?
It can be any of these. Many Farm Assistant assignments in the Netherlands combine greenhouse handling (picking/plant tasks) with packing or sorting. The exact tasks depend on the site and season.
Do I need experience?
Experience helps, but it is not always required. What matters most is reliability, the ability to follow hygiene rules, and maintaining a steady pace with good accuracy.
What does “gross/hour” mean on this page?
“Gross (brutto)” is the hourly rate before taxes and statutory deductions. Your net pay depends on your personal tax situation and the employment arrangement.
Will I definitely get overtime?
No. Overtime depends on seasonal demand and the project’s schedule. Some weeks are standard hours; other periods can be busier.
Can non-EU candidates apply?
Yes, you can apply. However, work authorization for non-EU candidates is employer- and profile-dependent. Screening determines whether a suitable legal pathway and matching project are available.
Why is a CV mandatory?
Sites require a basic profile to verify your experience, availability, and suitability for the specific assignment. Candidates without a CV are not considered.
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