The title farm work in some job descriptions can be pretty vague, but that’s because the jobs that take place on various farms can cover such a wide range of skills.
Wages vary across the board, but in general it pays to be a quick worker, as you are often paid by the bucket, some times by the hour, some by the day or week depending on the length of job. And the length of the job may even depend on you. Many of the farm jobs around will be able to offer you a 2nd year visa, which is a great opportunity to work your allocated hours to then get your visa extended to go do what you really want to be doing in this great country.
Here’s a little bit more info about what to expect when you go to work on an Australian farm.
Fruit and vegetable picking
Soooooo many varieties of fruit and veg need to be harvested at any given time of the year. Check our harvest calendar for all the latest fruit picking seasons. Mangoes, berries, avocados, apples, oranges, zucchini, paw paws, longans, mangoes, beans, potatoes, capsicum, melons, nuts, the list goes on. It’s hot and sweaty work out in the sun all day, but you’d get just as hot out on the beach!
Cattle handling and horse wrangling
Stablehands are often required for cleaning stables, feeding horses and general care and grooming. Not a pretty job, but if you love horses, a great job to have! Good to have experience in this area but also a good learning experience for those eager to work hard and learn.
For larger farms, people are needed to help with large herds of animals. Jobs include ear marking or branding sheep or cows, cattle feeding, driving trucks or motorbikes, clearing trees, fixing fences and gates. You have to be versatile and hard working and fairly sensible and dedicated to work long days and it’ll be hot and sweaty, so make sure you know what you’re in for.
Vineyard work
Ok so you most likely wont be putting your feet in a bucket of wine grapes with a Pinot Grigio in your hand when you are working on a vineyard, but it’s still pretty involved. Duties here may include anything from planting and maintenance of the grapes and vines, to either hand or machine harvesting, to assisting bottling and labeling. Interesting stuff, and a great experience in this country as Australia produce some bloody great wines.
Maintenance, repair and operating machinery
Farms need constant upkeep so often they need a bit of love and care around the land, repairing damaged fences or gates, clearing areas. Some operating of large machinery may be required, but it will state in the job description if you already need a special license or if training will be given on site.
