Damon Mcknight
Fruit picking jobs in Australia are often sought after by foreigners and backpackers, who can earn good money even with no prior experience. The pay is usually based on a 'piecework' rate, which means that workers are paid according to the amount of fruit they pick, with the fastest pickers earning double the minimum wage or more. To find a fruit picking job, it is recommended to check the Harvest Guide to learn what produce is in season and where, update your resume, prepare a cover letter, and check job boards like Backpacker Job Board and Seek daily. You can also contact farms directly or use recruitment agencies such as Agri Labour Australia. There are also online communities like fruitpickingjobs.com.au that can help with finding jobs and accommodation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Roles | Fruit Picker, Packer, Farm Attendant, Farm Hand, Tractor Operator, Machinery Operator, Picker/Packer, Warehouse Packer, Junior Farmhand |
| Qualifications | No experience required for some jobs, but some roles require farming and/or weed-controlling experience, or proven experience operating tractors and farm machinery |
| Pay | Fruit pickers are most commonly paid according to the amount of fruit they pick (measured either in number or weight). The average picker will earn approximately the minimum wage, which is around $20/hour. |
| Accommodations | Farmers are not legally required to offer accommodation to their pickers, but many will have on-site lodgings that pickers can use. |
| Job Boards | Backpacker Job Board, Seek, Indeed, fruitpickingjobs.com.au, Agri Labour Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Finding fruit picking jobs online
There are a variety of websites that advertise fruit picking jobs in Australia. Some of the websites include:
- Backpacker Job Board: This website advertises fruit picking jobs for backpackers in Australia. It includes jobs that do not require any prior experience and may include accommodation.
- Seek: This website has a dedicated section for fruit picking jobs in Australia, with roles available across picking, packing, and delivery.
- Agri Labour Australia: This website provides specialist recruitment solutions for fruit picking jobs and other related agriculture industry jobs. They work closely with the mango industry in North Queensland and the Northern Territory and also service the blueberry industry in Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
- Fruit Picking Jobs: This website is a community designed to create transparency within the fruit picking and harvest work sector. It includes a comprehensive listing of fruit picking locations, as well as reviews and an active forum to help make your search for work easier.
- Indeed: This website has a dedicated section for farm and fruit picking jobs in Australia, including roles in tomato picking and packing, as well as farm hand jobs.
When searching for fruit picking jobs online, it is important to consider the location and time of year, as different fruits will be in season at different times. You may also need to prepare a resume and cover letter, as well as have access to a computer and mobile phone.
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Payment and salary expectations
Hourly wage jobs offer the advantage of compliance, paying at or above the industry-standard minimum wage. According to some sources, farmers in Australia are no longer allowed to pay piece rates and must provide hourly wages to ensure fair compensation for workers. This change aims to address the potential for worker exploitation under the piece rate system.
The pay for fruit picking jobs can vary depending on factors such as the type of fruit picked and the required tasks. For example, picking jobs may involve colour or size selection, strip picking, or gentle harvesting techniques to avoid damaging the produce. The worker's efficiency and productivity also influence their earnings. It is recommended that candidates understand the payment structure before applying for or accepting a fruit picking job in Australia.
Some specific examples of salary expectations for fruit picking jobs in Australia include wages of $30 per hour for a banana farm worker in Queensland and annual salaries ranging from $73,000 to $85,000 for a picker/packer role with a leading agricultural grower. These salaries highlight the potential for competitive earnings in the fruit picking industry.
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What to wear
When preparing for a fruit-picking job in Australia, it's important to consider the weather conditions, the nature of the work, and your comfort and safety. Here's a guide on what to wear:
Protective Clothing:
Fruit picking involves working outdoors, often in sunny and hot conditions. It is important to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Wear lightweight and breathable long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover your skin and protect yourself from direct sunlight. Look for clothing made from lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Avoid synthetic fabrics that may trap heat and cause discomfort. Don't forget to apply sunscreen regularly, especially on exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands.
Footwear:
Choose comfortable and closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction. The footwear should provide adequate support for long hours of standing and walking. Avoid open-toed sandals or flip-flops as they don't offer enough protection in outdoor environments.
Hat and Sunglasses:
A wide-brimmed hat will protect your head and face from direct sunlight. It is advisable to get a hat with a brim all around to protect your neck and ears as well. Additionally, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare and reduce squinting.
Insect Protection:
Depending on the region and season, you may encounter insects and bugs. Consider wearing lightweight pants that can be tucked into your socks to prevent insects from crawling inside. Light-coloured clothing can also help deter insects. You may also want to bring insect repellent to spray on your clothing and skin for added protection.
Hydration and Snacks:
Fruit picking can be physically demanding, so it's important to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle and keep it filled with water throughout your shift. Additionally, consider bringing snacks or energy bars to maintain your energy levels during long work hours.
Layering for Cooler Months:
In regions like New South Wales and South Australia, fruit picking opportunities are available year-round, including during the cooler months. During autumn and winter, consider layering your clothing to stay warm. Wear a base layer of thermal underwear or leggings under your clothes, and add a lightweight jacket or sweater that you can easily remove if you get too warm.
Remember, the key is to dress for comfort, safety, and protection from the elements. Don't wear your favourite or expensive clothing, as the work can be messy and physically demanding. Instead, opt for stained, old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or worn out. You can find cheap clothing options at second-hand thrift stores.
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Recruitment agencies
Agri Labour Australia is a recruitment agency that specialises in placing workers in fruit harvesting jobs. They have successfully placed over 2,200 candidates in fruit-picking jobs and other harvest-related roles across every Australian state and territory. Their specialist agriculture recruiters understand the skill sets required for fruit-picking jobs and prioritise the safety of candidates on fruit farms.
Another recruitment agency that places workers in fruit-picking jobs is Farmgate Backpackers, which is known for providing well-paid work in Queensland.
There are also recruitment agencies that cater to specific types of workers, such as backpackers. For example, Backpacker Job Board is a website that advertises fruit-picking jobs for backpackers in Australia. Similarly, fruitpickingjobs.com.au is a community-based platform that provides transparency within the fruit-picking sector, offering information on jobs, accommodation, and ridesharing.
Some recruitment agencies, such as PickingJobs, cater to employers looking to find seasonal workers. Employers can post job advertisements on the platform to reach a targeted group of potential employees.
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In-person applications
Firstly, you should research the areas in Australia with the most job opportunities. New South Wales is probably the best place to pick fruit due to its mixed climate, which allows for a huge variety of fruit and vegetables to be grown, and jobs available year-round. South Australia is also a good choice for fruit picking due to the availability of work, especially during the autumn/winter months when the cooler days will be welcome relief from the heat. Queensland and the Northern Territory also have plenty of work available year-round, but the hot summer months can make the work very grueling.
Once you've decided on an area, you can start visiting farms. It's important to be prepared for the Australian climate and the physical nature of the work. Your outfit should adequately protect you from both the weather and the work. This may include items such as a hat, sunscreen, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes.
When speaking to potential employers, be sure to ask about accommodation options. Farms are generally located in regional areas with limited accommodation, so many will have on-site lodgings for pickers. Ask whether they have somewhere to stay on-site, whether there is a cost, and whether you can park your van or pitch a tent on the property. If they don't have on-site accommodation, ask if they have any recommendations for places to stay in the area.
During peak season, there are plenty of fruit-picking jobs available, so don't be afraid to visit farms in person and introduce yourself to potential employers.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several job sites that advertise fruit-picking jobs in Australia, such as Backpacker Job Board, Seek, and Indeed. You can also visit farms in person, especially in rural areas, as some farmers prefer to deal with candidates face-to-face.
Fruit pickers are most commonly paid according to the amount of fruit they pick, which is called "piecework". While the minimum wage in Australia is around $20 per hour, it does not apply to fruit pickers. However, the "piecework" rate is calculated so that the average picker will earn the minimum wage.
Your outfit will depend on what, where, and how you're picking. You will need to be adequately protected from the weather and the work. For example, if you're working in a tomato glasshouse, you should wear sensible light long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Examples of fruit-picking job listings in Australia include:
- Pickers and packers for a family-owned farming business in Perth Markets, Canning Vale.
- Picker/packer for a family business with free parking available on-site.
- Pickers and packers for a national fresh produce supplier in Avenel, Shepparton, and Goulburn Valley, VIC.
- Pickers and packers for a mushroom farm in Victoria.
Yes, Agri Labour Australia is a recruitment agency that specialises in placing workers in fruit-picking jobs. They work closely with the mango industry in North Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as the blueberry industry in Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
