Greenhouse Worker (Tomatoes/Cucumbers) in the Netherlands
This page describes a typical tomato/cucumber greenhouse role in the Netherlands. Openings are project-based and may change by season and site. Expect hands-on work with produce: picking, packing, quality checks and hygiene routines. If you are reliable, steady-paced and comfortable with repetitive tasks, this role can be a strong match.
Pay and conditions depend on the project (province, shift pattern, experience, overtime rules). This page shows typical ranges and expectations — final terms are confirmed per assignment.
Hiring story: why these projects open
Dutch greenhouse sites ramp up output when harvesting schedules tighten and packing lines need extra hands. Tomato and cucumber projects often scale quickly, so reliable workers who can follow hygiene and quality routines are prioritized.
Workday snapshot (what you’ll actually do)
A typical day starts with a short briefing, then you rotate through picking, packing and quality steps depending on the line setup. You’ll work on your feet, move through greenhouse aisles, and follow hygiene and handling instructions.
Start
- Site briefing, safety/hygiene reminders
- Station assignment (picking / packing / sorting)
- Tools check (trolley, crates, labels if used)
Core shift
- Picking/harvesting to standard
- Sorting/grading by quality rules
- Packing, weighing, basic line support
Finish
- Clean-down / hygiene routines
- Crate/trolley return
- Next-day instructions (if provided)
Responsibilities (task map by phase)
Exact duties vary by crop and site configuration. Typical tasks include:
- Pick/harvest tomatoes or cucumbers (hand work, aisle movement, trolley use)
- Sort, grade and pack produce to quality standards
- Label/prepare orders where used (project-dependent)
- Basic crop-care support (only as instructed by the supervisor)
- Maintain hygiene: clean hands/gloves, tidy station, correct waste handling
Requirements
- Physical stamina (standing, repetitive hand work, steady pace)
- Reliability and punctuality (greenhouse lines depend on timing)
- Basic communication in English for safety instructions
- CV in English is required for screening and placement
Nice-to-have
- Greenhouse/packing experience (produce, flowers, food lines)
- Comfort with quality targets and repetitive routines
- Experience with trolleys, crates and packing stations
Candidate portrait
- prefer clear routines and can keep a steady pace
- can handle repetitive tasks without losing accuracy
- follow hygiene and handling instructions consistently
- are comfortable working in warm/humid greenhouse conditions
- can communicate basic needs in English (safety, instructions)
- keep your workstation tidy and organized
- bring a CV that matches your real experience
- need frequent breaks beyond site policy
- cannot work on your feet for most of the shift
- dislike repetitive hand tasks or quality checks
- cannot follow hygiene rules consistently
- do not have a CV (no CV, no consideration)
Work environment, safety, PPE
Greenhouse projects typically run with clear hygiene and handling rules. Conditions can be warm and humid, with repetitive hand work and walking through aisles.
Safety standards (typical)
- Follow supervisor instructions and line signage
- Use correct lifting technique and crate handling
- Report hazards (wet floors, damaged crates, trolley issues)
- Respect food/produce hygiene routines
Tools & PPE (project-dependent)
- Safety shoes are commonly required
- Gloves may be required depending on task
- Trolleys/crates/packing materials provided on site
- Bring basic personal comfort items (water bottle, etc.) if allowed
Some projects may apply site-specific rules on phones, jewelry, or break areas. Always follow local instructions.
Documents & legal work basics (Netherlands)
Requirements depend on the contract model and the assignment. In general, you should be ready with:
- Identity documents
- Valid passport/ID. Additional checks may apply depending on site policy.
- CV and experience proof
- English CV required. Certificates are helpful if you have them (not mandatory for many greenhouse roles).
- Work authorization (non-EU)
- For non-EU applicants, work authorization is typically employer-specific and depends on the role and profile. Eligibility is confirmed after screening.
- Practical onboarding
- You may be asked for bank details, address details, and basic onboarding forms. Project setup varies by location.
For questions, use the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html.
FAQ
Is the pay shown net or gross?
The pay range on this page is gross (brutto) per hour. Final gross rate depends on site, province, shift pattern, experience and overtime rules.
What makes someone successful in the first weeks?
Consistency. Workers who keep a steady pace, follow hygiene rules, and maintain accuracy during sorting/packing are typically the easiest to place on repeat projects.
Do I need English?
Basic English for safety instructions is expected on most sites. You don’t need perfect English, but you should understand instructions and communicate simple issues.
Can I apply without a CV?
No. CV is mandatory for review and matching. Candidates without a CV are not considered.
Are shifts always the same?
No. Some projects run early starts; others keep standard day shifts. Seasonal peaks can add hours. The site confirms the schedule after screening.