Packer 2025- 26 Intake 1

Primary tasks:

- Cherry sorting

- Operating scales

- Carton, Bag & Punnet preparation

- End of Line labelling and lidding

- Stacking pallets

- Waste control

- Other duties as directed

Qualifications/Attributes:

- Perform repetitive functions and paying attention to detail

- Able to work in constant cool temperature

- Adhere to all Occupational, Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines and procedures

- High level of compliance with Food Safety Guidelines

- Ability to communicate and work well with others

- Ability to work with and around water for a long period of time

- Perform all assigned duties in a proper and timely manner

- Ability to follow and obey Team Leader/Management instruction

- Able to work in a fast‑paced environment

Physical requirements:

- Standing / walking, crouching, stooping, twisting, balancing, leg/foot use, reaching, overhead extension, handling, pushing / pulling pallets of fruit, lifting / carrying (11 kg)

- Long hours of standing in one position

- Senses: Speaking, hearing, sight (far, near, colour)

Environmental factors:

Work is performed in a Packhouse. Room is well ventilated with moderate noise, good lighting, moderate paper dust, and cool temperature.

Safety Factors:

- Hazards encountered include lifting packed boxes, roller belt, cool temperature, forklift traffic

PPE/Food Safety Compliance:

Staff working in the Packhouse are required to wear safety shoes (reinforced toe), no jewellery with stones and short, unpolished nails.

Important Information for Applicants:

Koala Cherries employ seasonal staff from November to January. Starting dates and hours are staggered due to crop maturity and vary from day to day, especially at the beginning of harvest. Hours are dependent on volumes of cherries to be picked and sorted. A roster system is designed for Packhouse staff to ensure staff work 6 days a week if requested (by you). We are flexible as to the number of days, however a commitment of a minimum of 2 days is required. Staff are required to work the full shift and longer hours are usually required in the lead up to Christmas – you must be available to work if rostered over this period. We prefer our employees to stay for the entire cherry season. Family‑friendly hours are available for some roles (generally cleaning and some administration roles).

(Please note that these dates are subject to weather conditions and other factors)

General Information - Packhouse

The Koala Cherries Packhouse is located in Yarck, a small rural town approx. 150 km north‑east of Melbourne. It is located 14 km from the main township of Alexandra and 21 km from Yea. Both towns have a supermarket, petrol stations, library, takeaway food, cafes, pubs and various other shops.

General Information – Orchards

Koala Cherries has twelve orchards located in Alexandra, Yarck, Boho and Cobram.

Transportation

There is no public transport available in any of our locations – you must be able to provide your own transportation to your workplace. As a picker you may be required to move between orchards, which are a few kilometres apart.

Right to Work in Australia

Employees that are not Australian citizens must meet the requirements of the Department of Immigration and must obtain a valid working visa. You will be required to provide us with Passport/Visa when completing your employment information online. We will check that your Visa is valid with the Department of Immigration.

Time worked at Koala Cherries can go towards your application for the second or third WHM visa. We can complete Form 1263 once your employment has finished.

Wages

Wages are paid weekly into your nominated bank account and the applicable Tax is deducted, and Superannuation contributions paid. The hourly pay rate is $31.26 for people 18 years and over. This rate is above award and in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement. We do not pay penalty rates for work undertaken on Public Holidays during our Production (Harvest) Period.

Training

If your application is successful, you are required to complete an online induction before commencing employment.

Accommodation

Koala Cherries does not provide any accommodation, so you will be required to find your own. We do have a list of local accommodation options that you can request to be emailed to you.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Job no:

HHAQ50131

Location:

Yarck Packhouse

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