Farm Crew

About Us

At Koala Cherries, we’re passionate about cultivating high-quality cherries and creating a rewarding experience for our team. Our core purpose is to delight cherry consumers worldwide

We’re looking for energetic and reliable individuals to joinour Orchard Pickup Crew for the upcoming harvest season.

About the role

As a member of our Orchard Pickup Crew, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring that our fruits are processed and collected, prepared for delivery to the Packhouse with care and efficiency. This role is perfect for those who enjoy working outdoors and are passionate about agriculture and quality produce.

We require PDA Operators and Pickup Drivers (Experience driving Tractors is advantageous) and Bin Tippers at our orchards which are located in Yarck, Alexandra and Strathbogie.

PDA Operator - scan picker ID cards from lugs into our software program. Working accurately, good communication skills and strong numerical skills are highly desirable.

Pickup Driver - Drives a ute/tractor and trailer to assist with the collection of cherries in the Orchard. You must be experienced using a trailer and hold a current driver's licence.

Pickup Crew (Bin Tipper) - requires a good level of strength and fitness as it requires collecting and tipping lugs of cherries into larger bins. You must be good at working within a team.

All of these roles are paid an hourly rate.

Responsibilities

Equipment Handling: Use and maintain basic orchard tools and equipment.

- Safety & Hygiene: Follow all safety protocols and maintain cleanliness in the work area.

- Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

- Attention to Detail: Strong focus on quality (ensuring lugs are correctly filled)

- Team Player: Works well in a team setting and communicates effectively with others.

- Reliability: Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic.

PPE

- Steel capped boots are required for this role

Join us at Koala Cherries and be part of a team that brings fresh, delicious fruit to a world-wide community. We look forward to working with you

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. 150km north-east of Melbourne. It is located 14km 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.

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: JZCN50175

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