Orchard - Farm Harvest Worker

Orchard positions – Launching Place Victoria

Up to twelve positions commencing Mid-October/November 2023 to April/May 2024 (two intakes)

Up to ten positions commencing around Feb/March2024 to early Sept 2024

Up to eight positions commencing around March/April 2024 to late Nov 2024

Vernview Pty Ltd requires up to thirty hardworking, physically able and reliable workers to plant trees, net trees, thin crop load, pick, prune and attend to general orchard maintenance at their two apple orchards in Launching Place Victoria.

The first intake will commence on, or around mid-October 2023 and workers are required to be available up to a seven-month period.

A second intake is expected to commence at the end of October 2023 or early November and workers are expected to be available for up to a seven-month period.

A third intake is expected to commence late February/March 2024 and workers are expected to be available for up to a seven-month period.

A fourth intake is expected to commence in March/April 2024 and workers are expected to be available for up to an eight-month period.

Exact start times will be advised to successful applicants and may vary by a few weeks due to seasonal conditions. Commencement date will determine end of contract date.

Do not apply for an immediate start and please do not apply if not available for entirety of either season. Workers employed in the first or second intake may be considered for an extension of work.

The positions are outdoor work, and work is undertaken in a range of weather conditions. The work is of a physical nature requiring physical fitness to dig holes to plant trees, assist with trellising, netting of trees and undertake pre harvest, harvest and post-harvest activities. Thinning work will commence in November and will involve the use of ladders. Harvest will commence in February and requires work from A frame ladders and picking into canvas bags (approx. 15kgs when full) strapped to shoulders. Pruning work commences in May and involves working from ladders, use of hand tools. All ladder work involves stepping up and down and shifting the ladder to different locations as needed. The work will involve use of ladders and a variety of harvest and pruning equipment. This is very labour-intensive work. Candidates must be motivated and be able to work and learn quickly, with attention to detail, high concentration level, good eyesight is essential as fruit picked is selected based on colour and a number of other quality indicators. Successful candidates will be required for 7am or earlier starts to work using ladders, pruning and picking equipment. Candidates will work in a small team environment and must have the ability to work with accuracy and follow instructions. Work may start earlier in the day during times of extreme temperatures.

Workers must have access to own transport due to farm locations and be available up to 7 days per week during the harvest period (February to May) as the crop load and maturity and weather conditions will determine work times.

No previous experience is necessary.

Successful candidates would be offered employment on a fixed term full time seasonal contract under the 2020 Horticulture Award (MA000028) as Level 1 employees. Candidates with experience/training with Hydralada Compact 300 machines will be considered for Level 2 positions as required by the award. Indicative Level 1 rate from 1 July 2023 $22.61 per hour Level 2 rate from 1 July 2023 $23.23 per hour (source Draft Determination Fair Work Commission)

Do not apply for an immediate start and please do not apply if not available for the entire season as indicated.