Applehouse Picking/Sorting, Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

University of Minnesota

Chaska, MN

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Apple, Background Investigation, Employee Retention, English Language, Government, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Loading/Unloading, Nonprofit, Resolve Customer Issues, Retirement Plan, Sales
LOCATION
Chaska, MN
POSTED
6 days ago

About the Job

Job is located onsite at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Applehouse in Chaska, MN.

AppleHouse Picking/Sorting

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleHouse is hiring seasonal staff for the fall apple season! We have two closely related temporary positions:

  • One primarily focused on picking apples in our orchards
  • One primarily focused on sorting, bagging, and preparing apples for sale in the AppleHouse

Both roles work closely together, share many overlapping tasks, and help bring Minnesota's favorite apples to our visitors.

During the interview process, we'll talk with you about your interests and experience to find the best fit for you - either in the orchard, the AppleHouse, or a mix of both.

Key Responsibilities

Apple Production & Sorting (about 100% in production-focused role; about 25% in orchard-focused role)

  • Sort apples by size, color, condition, and maturity
  • Bag, box, price, and label apples for sale
  • Unload field crates and bulk boxes from trucks
  • Stock and maintain attractive displays in the AppleHouse
  • Answer customer questions on the sales floor
  • Remove poor quality apples or discount for quick sale
  • Help keep the AppleHouse and grading area clean and organized
  • Follow all AppleHouse policies and procedures
  • Assist with other AppleHouse tasks as needed

Apple Picking (about 75% in apple picking-focused role)

  • Hand pick apples by color and condition using a worn picking bucket
  • Carefully load and move fruit in bushel boxes
  • Work outdoors in varied weather

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to lift and move 50 lbs routinely
  • Able to stand for 4-6 hours continuously
  • Ability to sort by color of apples and follow oral/written instructions
  • Able to read, write, and understand English
  • Comfortable working in a variety of environments (indoor and outdoor)
  • Successful completion of a background check

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

About the Company

U

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.  Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

Our institution is dedicated to changing lives through research, education, and outreach. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) - the University’s central IT department - works to support and advance this mission and to support overall academic advancement. Our dedicated IT professionals connect students, faculty, and staff with innovative services to meet their teaching, learning, research, and administrative needs. The Office of Information Technology offers an environment of trust, collaboration, and mission-focused work. Join us and support innovation and engagement through technology!

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Education
WEBSITE
https://twin-cities.umn.edu/