At a Glance
- Tasks: Pick juicy grapes in beautiful vineyards while enjoying the outdoors.
- Company: Join a friendly harvest team in stunning Sussex countryside.
- Benefits: Earn £14.24 per hour, enjoy wine discounts, and stay active.
- Other info: Limited spaces available, so apply now for this exciting opportunity!
- Why this job: Experience a unique outdoor adventure and make new friends.
- Qualifications: Physically fit, reliable, and a positive team player.
GRAPE PICKERS NEEDED – 2026 HARVEST SEASON FUN STARTS HERE
Location: Beautiful vineyards near Rye, East Sussex
Start Date: Early to Mid September exact date TBC - The exact start date can move as it will depend on the weather between now and then and how quickly the grapes ripen and are ready to be picked - therefore flexibility is required.
Duration: 12 days work within a 3 weeks period (Weather permitting)
Pay: £14.24 per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)
Hours: 8:00am – 4:30/5:00pm, Monday to Sunday. Flexibility required as this role is weather dependent and working days are subject to change with little notice.
Looking for a short-term adventure that’s a little different? We’ve got rows of juicy grapes, stunning countryside views, and a friendly harvest team ready to welcome you. Whether you’re in between jobs, semi-retired, want to get away from the office environment or you are on a gap year, this is the perfect way to soak up the outdoors, stay active, and earn some money at the same time.
A day in the vines – what you’ll be doing:
- You’ll be provided with snippers (large scissors) and a bucket to get started.
- As you walk along the vines with your team, you’ll be snipping bunches of grapes growing at waist height and placing them into your bucket.
- Once your bucket is full, someone from the team will come and collect it, swapping it for an empty one so you can keep going.
- You’ll work through the vineyard one section at a time alongside your team, keeping things moving and making it a fun, fast-paced day outdoors.
Why you’ll love it:
- Wine discount to stock up for late summer evenings or the festive season
- Step count goals sorted – stay active without hitting the gym
- Fresh air and beautiful views in the Sussex countryside
- A great team, good company, and a positive working atmosphere
- Monthly pay at the end of the harvest - great if you're saving up for going travelling!
What we’re looking for:
- Physically fit and able individuals – there’s plenty of walking involved each day
- Drivers or those with their own transport (or who live locally) – the vineyard isn’t accessible by public transport due to its very rural location
- Reliable and available for the full 3 weeks
- Positive, team-oriented attitude – we work hard but always with a smile
- Keen gardeners are always welcome and/or anyone who has an interest in the viticulture industry - however there is no experience necessary.
Spaces are limited, so don’t hang about. Apply now and make the most of this unique opportunity to work in the great outdoors and be part of something special this harvest season.
Grape Pickers 2026 Harvest Season - Rye, Sussex employer: Recruitment South East
Join a well-established precision engineering company in Hailsham, where you will be part of a supportive work environment that values quality and craftsmanship. With 25 days of holiday and a comprehensive pension scheme, we prioritise employee well-being and growth, offering opportunities to enhance your skills in TIG welding and fabrication. Our collaborative culture ensures that every team member plays a vital role in meeting production schedules while contributing to high-quality outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grape Pickers 2026 Harvest Season - Rye, Sussex
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like Recruitment South East.
We think you need these skills to ace Grape Pickers 2026 Harvest Season - Rye, Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Recruitment South East, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment South East
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
