What can you do?
Volunteer to be a Harvester
Harvesters are volunteers who participate in gleaning events by helping to pick, sort, and weigh produce that is harvested. Harvesters do not need to attend any training to start helping as your Glean Lead or Branch Leader will train you during the gleaning event.
On top of building a better community, volunteers get to take home a portion of the harvest!
Apply to be a Harvest Leader
Harvest Leaders are seasonal staff who are responsible for:
- Leading volunteers in fruit harvests (orchards, trees, vines, bushes, etc.) across the county.
- Tracking volunteer attendance, harvest weights, and distribution locations.
- Transporting fresh produce to assure it is dropped off to local hunger relief organizations and other community collaborators.
- Helping to maintain the health of our county orchard through site sanitation practices during gleaning events.
- Driving company vehicle.
- Documentation of harvest details to the Pierce County Gleaning Project's database.
- Cleaning and organization of equipment, tools, company van, and cooler space.
Harvest Leaders are provided with all necessary tools and training; previous fruit tree experience is not necessary as in-field training and ongoing support will be provided throughout the season. This position offers education in determining fruit ripeness and quality standards, site sanitation, best practices in harvesting, safety, transport, and storage of various types of fruit. Harvest Leaders are able to connect with community through volunteer management and learn more about the inner workings of our local hunger relief system.
Desirable applicants should:
- Be able to commit to the entire season and keep availability open on the day(s) they have committed to working.
- Have a valid driver’s license, or reliable transportation to and from company vehicle location.
- Be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds and climb ladders.
- Enjoy working with and leading volunteer groups.
Harvest Leaders will be compensated an hourly wage of $17, with occasional mileage reimbursement. Harvest Leaders can also take home a portion of the harvest, ensuring access to fresh fruit all season long; a perfect opportunity for people who like to preserve food or bake, or want to give back to the community.
Applications will be open on May 9th and close by the end of the day on May 25th. Our selection and hiring process will begin the following week. Click here to apply.
Apply to be a Fruit Tree Assessor
Fruit Tree Assessors are seasonal staff whose duties will include:
- Assessing fruit and fruit bearing plants for pest and disease issues and to determine if pruning or replacement is required.
- Providing recommendations and referrals to Site Stewards (renters, homeowners, farmers, etc.) for pest and disease mitigation, plant/tree maintenance, or replacement plans at each site.
- Documentation of findings to Harvest Pierce County/Pierce Conservation District various databases.
This position runs mid-June through September. There will be a range in hours in this position depending on the number of new sites registered, and timing of fruit ripening (which differs from year-to-year). Typically, Assessors will be working 1 to 2 days a week, up to 3 in August during our peak season, 4 to 8 hours per day. Assessments will typically take place Saturday through Wednesday (availability on any combination of those days is fine).
Assessors will be provided with all necessary tools and training; previous fruit tree experience is not necessary as one-on-one in-field support will be provided to start. This position offers an in-depth education in fruit specific pest and disease identification that is common to the area and may be of particular interest to those looking into advancing the health of their own home orchards.
Desirable applicants should:
- Be able to commit to the entire season and keep availability open on the day(s) they have committed to working.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Be able to climb ladders.
- Have ability to and find enjoyment in working alone, while also be personable enough to converse with Site Stewards.
Compensation includes mileage reimbursement, and an hourly wage of $17.
Applications will be open on May 9th and close by the end of the day on May 25th. Our selection and hiring process will begin the following week. Click here to apply.
Harvest Pierce County and its programs are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and all employees (including seasonal staff) have the opportunity to thrive. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
