Blueberry picking is among the specific seasonal jobs that require a high level of precision and physical endurance.

Given that blueberries are an extremely delicate crop, the fruit is picked exclusively by hand in order to preserve its market quality. A picker’s working day usually begins in the very early morning hours, often as early as 6 a.m., taking advantage of the natural freshness and avoiding the most intense heat during the day.

Vacancies in Sisak-Moslavina County

According to data from the Croatian Employment Service, there are currently 40 job openings for manual blueberry pickers in the settlement of Donji Hrastovac. The vacancy was announced by the company A&Y Construction d.o.o., and the working time amounts to a full 40 hours per week in the morning shift. The employer offers partial reimbursement of transportation costs, but accommodation for workers is not provided. This vacancy remains open until 5 June 2026, and applications are possible regardless of previous work experience or level of education.

Performance-based pay in Zagreb County

Another major opportunity for seasonal workers is located in Tarno near Ivanić Grad, where the company Agrovita d.o.o. is seeking 30 workers. The planned start of work is in mid-June, and the expected duration of the season is until the beginning of August. This listing is active until 30 May 2026.

Unlike fixed working hours, a performance-based payment model is offered here, whereby pickers earn 1.5 euros for each kilogram picked.

If a worker picks around 20 kg of blueberries per day, the daily earnings would amount to around €30. If they pick around 50 kg per day, the earnings would amount to around €75 per day. Over 5 working days, this would mean approximately €150 for 20 kg per day, or around €375 for 50 kg per day. Over 20 working days, the calculation would amount to around €600 in the first case and around €1,500 in the second case.

In organized plantation blueberry picking, it is realistic to expect that an average picker harvests around 40 to 70 kg per day, while more skilled pickers harvest even up to 100 kg per day.

Conditions adapted to a wide range of candidates

A common characteristic of both listings published on the Croatian Employment Service website is pronounced inclusivity. People with completed primary school education can apply for the work, as well as those without formal education. The possibility of employing retirees is particularly emphasized, in an effort to alleviate the chronic labor shortage in domestic agriculture. Since accommodation is not provided, these jobs are primarily oriented toward the local population or people who have their own transportation to the plantations.

Challenges and opportunities of seasonal work

The current situation on the labor market shows that the agricultural sector is finding it increasingly difficult to find workers, resulting in more flexible conditions and opening the door to workers of all age groups. Although earnings per kilogram offer the possibility of above-average daily income for the fastest pickers, potential candidates must be aware that final income directly depends on weather conditions and the density of the plantation itself. Such engagements represent an important source of income for socially vulnerable groups and retirees, but the lack of organized accommodation and transportation still remains the main obstacle to a larger response from workers from other parts of the country.