Our preference is that you apply through our website: https://www.ridgeview.co.uk/about-us/join-us
Harvest Press loader
Length of contract - estimated between 2 to 6 weeks
This role will be part of a close knit harvest team who will unload crates of grapes from lorries and load them into the grape presses. It is a great way to get a step in the door of the wine industry - several of our press loaders from last harvest have had other roles with us since. Some have previously progressed onto cellar hands for the next harvest.
What does the job involve :
The crates of grapes weigh around 16kg. The press loading process can involve lifting from above head height and then leaning over the press to load them through the centre. A lorry unload will take about 20-30 minutes and in this time, each person could lift around 1 tonne. Once the lorry is empty and the grapes have been loaded into the presses, this role will be cleaning down the press, crates and the area until the next lorry arrives. The role will be working at heights.
The shifts can be 8-12 hours ( could be longer or shorter) , up to 6 days a week during harvest. Each person will be allocated either day shift starting in the morning or late shift starting afternoon. Once they are allocated the shift, each person would stay on this shift for the whole harvest which could be up to 2-6 weeks.
Please note all of this information is just given as a guide. All shift timings, start and end dates are fully dependant on harvest so anyone applying needs to have full flexibility and commitment during the harvest.
What you will need to be a successful applicant:

• You should enjoy working in a close-knit team working towards a common goal and with the ability to use own initiative
• Be comfortable with physical lifting and climbing stairs to the grape press
• Able to work at heights and at nights ( a medical assessment will be required to ensure safety and reasonable adjustments )
• Be available for around two to five weeks from mid September to early October.( TBC actually dates to be confirmed nearer the time as will be dependent on grape yield and ripening)
• Flexibility with additional hours required depending on harvest

What we will give you:

• The opportunity to work within an award-winning wine business as part of a pioneering, proactive and friendly team.
• Your working hours will be spent next to a stunning vineyard with amazing views of the South Downs.
• Contract for the harvest period (actual date is grape ripening dependent)
• One hot meal provided per shift once first grapes start arriving
• Staff discounts while on contract
• Real Living Wage + higher than statutory holiday entitlement

Job Type: Full-time
Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ditchling: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (preferred)

Work Location: In person