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Olive Harvest Helper Wanted on an Off-Grid Farm!

4.0
(19 reviews)19

The experience

Welcome to olive season at CatsVille! Nestled in the countryside, our off-grid land offers a unique experience to reconnect with nature surrounded by cats and poultry while working with the land. We’re looking for helpers to join us for the olive harvest season, where you’ll be hand-picking the olives, pruning the trees, and doing other related tasks. If you love working outdoors and hanging out with cats this is the opportunity for you!

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Additional fee required

Amount: € 5 Per day

Fee pays for: Donation to project

Description: We request a small donation because our project is still in early stages. Volunteers sleep in tents, the kitchen leaks when it rains, and showers are cold. Hosting people costs us food, materials, and time we don’t have. The donation helps cover basics, support the animals, and attract committed volunteers who understand our harsh, survival-mode conditions and truly want to help.

What you get

2 days off per week

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner Portuguese

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

We are off the grid, so be prepared for a rustic lifestyle without constant access to electricity or Wi-Fi. You’ll have a chance to truly unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with other like-minded travelers.
You can bring a tent to camp,sleep in your own vehicle or if you can't bring your own tent, sleeping bag and pillow I can provide for you.
At CatsVille the forest is your open-air bathroom! For more privacy, we provide a portable toilet inside your tent.
You won't be expected to have prior knowledge, you can learn as you go and experiment.
If you need, there will always be someone to help guide you.

Activities & Shift

You'll be harvesting olives by hand and helping with sorting and processing, maintaining the olive trees and learning about sustainable agricultural methods and assisting with some simple farm maintenance tasks as needed.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming and olive harvesting and be able to enjoy home cooked meals, camping in a tent, and a peaceful setting with amazing views.

Rules

Work Ethic & Attitude

You are expected to work hard and stay focused during work hours.

We live in “survival mode” with harsh conditions — our well-being and the animals’ depends on everyone doing their part.

We value people with good intentions, honesty, and a positive mindset.

Manipulative behaviour or attempts to take advantage of the project will not be tolerated.


Behaviour & Safety

No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or mind-altering substances on the property.

No stealing or disrespectful behaviour.

Any behaviour that makes my family, other volunteers, or animals uncomfortable may result in immediate dismissal.

Security cameras are in place for everyone’s safety.


Living Conditions & Shared Spaces

Volunteers using the tents or bucket toilet must keep them clean and leave them exactly as they were found.

Keep the kitchen and all common areas clean after use.

You may only take food provided during meal times — no taking food outside these times unless given permission.

Respect everyone’s privacy. Do not enter private spaces, including other volunteers’ tents and all family areas.


Animal Welfare

Show respect, care, and gentleness toward all animals.

Follow instructions closely when handling or feeding animals.

Report any injuries, illnesses, or concerns immediately.


Boundaries & Communication

If you are unsure about a task, rule, or boundary, you are always welcome to ask.

Do not enter restricted areas without permission.

Clear communication is expected — ask before doing anything you’re unsure about.


Termination

Any violation of these rules may lead to the volunteer being asked to leave immediately.