How to Secure a Farming Job in Australia

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)

Agricultural or farm work in Australia is an exceptional way to earn cash and experience the rich and diverse culture of the nation. Nevertheless, farm work in Australia is often also very physically demanding and thus the worker needs to make sure the employer is paying minimum wage and providing suitable accommodation. In fact, almost all the jobs are located in rural areas, the work is very seasonal and competition has increased for a limited number of jobs as many backpackers have taken advantage of the option to extend their working holiday visa.

However, there are a few ways to secure a reliable farming job in Australia:

1. Following the harvest trail can be a great way go and many people just follow that however that often means that a lot of people end up competing for the same jobs. Therefore, in order to bypass this, one should make a plan based around where they want to be and where the majority of the jobs are going to be.
2. Working hostels and hostel noticeboards often provide a wealth of knowledge. One doesn’t have to be staying there to get the information – simply dropping by can get the job done.
3. Websites that are Aussie specific and unknown to many backpackers.

Normally, accommodation and food are not provided by the employers, however, there are some remote locations that offer these facilities.

Types of Jobs

Chances are if it’s grown in Australia, then there is a job harvesting it! Harvest and fruit-picking work availability depend on which area in regional Australia one wants to see, and what time of year it is. There’s not only a wide variety of fruits (apples, grapes, plums, peaches, apricots, mangoes, and more) but cotton and tobacco must also be harvested, as well as fresh seafood such as crayfish, prawns and rock lobsters. Individuals are most likely to be working on a farm or in an orchard, and generally, training is provided on the job.

Nature of Work

Agricultural jobs are majorly for those individuals who enjoy the outdoors. Without a doubt, harvest work is an exciting way to experience the beauty and culture of country Australia. Here, one can meet other adventurous travellers and there’ll be plenty of time after-hours to explore the breath-taking scenery of regional Australia and to enjoy the outdoor recreational activities many regions have to offer.

However, workers must be warned that harvest work and fruit picking in Australia can be demanding labour with lots of bending and stretching, often in hot temperatures and dusty locations. Being physically fit and healthy is one of the most important criteria. In most orchards fruit pickers will start early in the morning at around 6 am to avoid the hottest parts of the day but nonetheless, appropriate clothing must be donned and water must be available at all times of the day.