Harvest Worker (Berries/Fruit) in the Netherlands
Berry and fruit harvesting is a quality-sensitive, time-critical job: produce is picked, checked, and often prepared for cooling and packing within hours. This page describes a typical Harvest Worker (Berries/Fruit) role in the Netherlands. Openings are seasonal and site-specific (farm fields, tunnels/orchards, and sometimes a packhouse for sorting/packing).
Quick facts
The hiring story (why farms hire for this role)
Harvest teams expand quickly when ripeness peaks. Farms need people who can work safely and consistently, protect the fruit from damage, and follow clear grading rules. If a site includes a packhouse, attention to labeling, weight/portion standards and hygiene becomes as important as speed.
The strongest candidates are dependable in early shifts, communicate basic needs clearly, and keep a steady rhythm without cutting corners on quality.
Day-to-day tasks (field + packhouse)
Picking & handling
- Pick berries/fruit carefully to avoid bruising; follow “ripe/not ripe” rules per site standard.
- Handle punnets/trays gently; keep produce clean and protected from sun/rain as instructed.
- Work in rows with a consistent pace; coordinate with the team lead when supplies or bins run low.
- Report quality issues (mold, pest damage, overripe batches) early.
Sorting & packing (where applicable)
- Sort by size/quality; remove damaged pieces according to grading guidelines.
- Pack into clamshells/punnets, label, and prepare boxes for cooling/dispatch.
- Maintain hygiene: clean hands/gloves, tidy workstation, follow site rules for food handling.
- Support simple line tasks: weighing, stacking, scanning/labels (if used on site).
Requirements
Must-have
- Physical stamina for walking/standing and frequent bending or reaching.
- Reliability: showing up on time (early starts are common in harvest season).
- Basic communication in English for safety and instructions.
- CV in English is required for screening and selection.
Nice-to-have
- Previous harvest/farm/packhouse experience (berries, fruit, vegetables).
- Ability to keep consistent quality at speed (low damage rate, correct grading).
- Comfort working outdoors in variable weather (wind, light rain, warm days).
- Any relevant certificates requested by a specific site (rare; depends on project).
Pay & working time in the Netherlands (gross)
Gross hourly range and what drives it
Indicative gross pay for this role is €14.71–€17.50 per hour (brutto). The lower end aligns with the statutory minimum hourly wage for workers aged 21+ in the first half of 2026; actual pay depends on site, province, experience, and whether overtime/irregular hours apply.
- Province/site: demand peaks vary by region and season.
- Experience/quality: low damage rate and correct grading can matter.
- Overtime/irregular hours: premiums may apply depending on contract and site rules.
- Holiday allowance: typically accrued and paid per NL rules (often 8% of gross annual pay).
Working time, overtime and safety (general)
Working time is governed by Dutch rules, with limits on maximum hours per day/week and average hours over reference periods. Farms often plan early starts to protect fruit quality and manage heat.
- Expect schedules to change with weather and ripeness (“peak days” happen).
- Overtime is generally treated as hours beyond contracted hours; compensation depends on contract/site rules.
- Safety basics: hydration, sun/rain protection, careful lifting, and following hygiene instructions.
Documents & legal work pathway (NL — general guidance)
- Identity: valid passport/ID.
- CV: English CV (mandatory). Add any farm/production experience and availability dates.
- EU/EEA: typically can work in NL without a work permit (standard registration steps may still apply).
- Non-EU: work authorization is usually employer-specific and depends on the hiring setup and your profile. Eligibility is confirmed after screening.
- Posted-worker scenarios (EU employer): if applicable, employer may handle required registrations and documentation (project-dependent).
- Site checks: some locations may require simple onboarding checks/training for hygiene and safety.
For questions, use the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html.
Candidate fit
You are a good fit if you…
- can start early and keep a steady pace for several hours.
- handle fruit carefully and take pride in low-damage, clean work.
- are comfortable with repetitive tasks (pick–check–place, row after row).
- can work outdoors in changing conditions and follow site instructions.
- communicate basic needs clearly (English) and ask when rules are unclear.
- can commit to seasonal availability (including peak weeks).
This role is not for you if you…
- cannot tolerate repetitive bending/standing or steady hand work.
- prefer fully predictable schedules with no seasonal peaks.
- dislike outdoor environments or become unsafe in heat/rain conditions.
- struggle with basic hygiene/food-handling discipline.
- do not have (or do not want to prepare) an English CV.
FAQ
Is the wage shown here net or gross?
All amounts on this page are gross (brutto). Net pay depends on tax and deductions (if any), which vary by person and contract.
Can I apply without experience?
Yes, many sites can train motivated candidates. However, you must be reliable, follow safety rules, and maintain quality while working at pace.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
Usually not. Basic English for safety and instructions is commonly expected. Specific sites may have their own communication rules.
Are accommodation and transport provided?
It depends on the project and employer arrangement. If offered, details (costs, deductions, distance to site) are confirmed during the screening stage.