Blueberries Picking Jobs in Austria for Foreigners

If you want to work in beautiful Austria, picking fruit is a great option. The ins and outs of Blueberries Picking Jobs in Austria are explained in this piece, which also includes information on how to apply and the job’s requirements and duties. No matter how long you’ve been picking or how new you are to the job, this chance offers excitement and the chance to make money.
Details of Blueberries Picking Jobs in Austria for Foreigners
- Job Title: Fruit Picking Jobs/Fruit and Vegetable Harvester/Fruit and Vegetable Picker/Farm Hand
- Industry: Agriculture/Farm Jobs
- Country: Austria
- Minimum Age: 21-40 years
- Knowledge Required: Yes, not much
- Experience Required: Yes, not much
- Job Nature: Full-time
- Expected Salary: €14 per hour
- Free Food: Mostly Yes
- Free Accommodation: Mostly Yes
- Free Transport: No
- Free Medical Insurance: No
Requirements
Education:
- No minimum education required: There is no need for a diploma, degree, or certification.
Language Skills:
- It is necessary to be able to communicate clearly in English. It’s helpful to know some basic German, but it’s not necessary.
Experience:
- There is no minimum knowledge needed: All new workers will get training while they are doing their jobs.
Farming Knowledge:
- Basic understanding of farming: It’s best to know how to farm both crops and animals, but it’s not required.
Driver’s License:
- For some jobs, especially ones that involve transportation, you may need a current driver’s license and an abstract driving record check.
Background Checks:
- As a safety measure and to make sure everyone follows the rules, a criminal record check is often part of the hiring process.
Physical Fitness:
- To be considered, candidates must be physically fit and able to work quickly while carrying big loads as part of their job.
Benefits
Austrian blueberry picking jobs provide a number of advantages for foreign workers, particularly those seeking seasonal or temporary labor. Here are a few main advantages:
- Visa Sponsorship: To facilitate temporary work permits for non-EU nationals, a large number of Austrian agricultural firms sponsor foreign workers’ visas.
- No expertise needed: Since picking blueberries is typically seen as unskilled labor, even those without any prior agricultural expertise can do it.
- Competitive Salary: When compared to earnings in other European nations, Austria’s competitive wages for agricultural laborers can be alluring.
- Housing and Meals: To save living expenses during the harvest season, some employers offer free or heavily discounted housing and meals.
- Cultural Exposure: Gaining a deeper grasp of European agricultural techniques, learning German (the official language), and becoming fully immersed in the local culture are all made possible by working in Austria.
- Flexibility in Work: A lot of blueberry picking jobs are seasonal and flexible, meaning you can work for a set amount of time and according to your schedule (generally during the harvest period, which spans late summer).
- Healthy Outdoor Work: Picking blueberries is an outdoor work that offers fresh air and opportunities for physical activity in the outdoors, both of which can improve physical health and wellness.
- Possibilities for Return Employment: If you do well in one season, you could be able to come back for several harvests, which would strengthen your relationship with your employer and open the door to more regular seasonal work.
- Low Cost of Living: Compared to many other Western European nations, Austria has a comparatively lower cost of living, which enables international workers to save more money while they are employed.
- Social Benefits: Depending on the conditions of their employment, workers may be eligible for social benefits like health insurance and social security contributions.
Responsibilities
Harvesting:
- Pick blueberries from fields and gardens, being careful not to damage the fruit as you do so.
Sorting and Packaging:
- Sort and prepare the fruit that has been picked based on its size, quality, and other factors so that it can be sold and distributed.
Orchard Maintenance:
- Help with care in the orchards, such as watering plants, pulling weeds, and general cleaning up of the farming area.
Operating Machinery:
- Drive basic farm equipment as needed to do things like moving picked fruit fields or keeping them in good shape.
Quality Control:
- Make sure the quality is controlled by checking the fruit for ripeness and quality. Throw away any berries that are broken or not ripe to keep the standards high for sale.
Visa Requirement
Foreign workers’ visa requirements for blueberry picking occupations in Austria vary depending on their country of citizenship and the particulars of their job. An outline of the usual visa requirements is provided below:
1. EU/EEA Citizens:
- No Visa Required: Citizens of European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not require a visa to work in Austria. They can enter Austria freely and work without needing a work permit.
2. Non-EU/EEA Citizens:
Generally speaking, foreign nationals from non-EU/EEA nations need a visa and/or work permit. The length of employment and the nature of the job may influence the particular visa and procedure.
Short-Term Agricultural Work Visa (Seasonal Work Visa):
- Duration: Typically valid for up to 6 months (seasonal work duration).
- Requirements:
- A confirmed job offer from an Austrian employer for the blueberry picking position.
- Proof of accommodation in Austria (provided by the employer or independently arranged).
- Health insurance coverage.
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay (if not covered by the employer).
- A valid passport with sufficient validity for the duration of your stay.
Procedure:
- Work Permit Application: You will need to apply for a seasonal work permit through the Austrian employment office (AMS). Your employer will often assist with this process by submitting your job offer.
- Visa Application: You might have to apply for a National Visa (D Visa) at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country when the work permit is granted. This enables you to remain and perform the particular profession in Austria.
Documents Typically Required:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity left).
- A completed visa application form.
- A job contract or letter from the employer detailing the nature of the work, salary, and accommodation arrangements.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance covering your stay in Austria.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (if needed).
Where can I find blueberry picking jobs in Austria?
There are ads on many websites, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Expatica. Use search terms like “fruit picking jobs in Austria for foreigners” or “farm jobs that will sponsor your visa” to find jobs. Make sure that your CV and cover letter fit the needs of the job. Send in your applications online and wait for approval.
How to Apply
Conclusion
There are great blueberry-picking jobs in Austria for people who want to work in a beautiful place and make a good wage. This job is great for both new and experienced pickers because you don’t need much training and can learn on the job. Besides enjoying the beautiful scenery of Austria, you’ll also get free food and a place to stay, which makes this a good option for anyone looking for summer work in agriculture. Please don’t wait to look at the ads and take the first step toward a great time in Austria!
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are blueberry-picking jobs in Austria?
People who work as blueberry pickers in Austria pick blueberries from fields and orchards. The workers’ job is to pick, sort, and package the food so that it can be sent to customers.
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What is the expected salary for blueberry pickers in Austria?
If you pick blueberries, you can expect to make about €14 an hour, and many companies will even feed and house you for free.