Seasonal work

Forklift operators work in orchards or packhouses, loading bins of harvested fruit on and off trucks and placing them in shade houses or cool stores. Operators may also be responsible for labelling bins to ensure traceability of the fruit. A forklift license or OSH certificate is required.

Unwanted fruit is removed from the tree by hand to let the remaining fruit grow to a good size.

Pay - paid by the number of trees you thin per day or per week. Piece rates indicate how hard the work is. The more difficult the work, the higher the rate.

Timing - November and December

Quality controllers work in the orchard and are responsible for the quality of the harvested crop. Random samples are taken from each bin and checked for quality, size, colour and maturity. Quality controllers should be able to relate well to both workers and management.

Hydraladas are elevated work platforms and a certain amount of skill is required to operate them.  Hydralada operators pick fruit from the tops of the trees, usually following behind ground or ladder pickers. Operators must be able to operate machinery safely and without damaging the harvested fruit or trees. They may also be responsible for some machinery maintenance.

Fruit pickers select the fruit off trees that meet the right size and colour. Fruit is picked into buckets that are strapped to your shoulders, and then emptied into fruit bins. The work may involve use of ladders or elevated work platforms.

Pay – Paid by the piece (price per bin). Piece rates usually reflect how hard the work is. The more difficult the work, the higher the rate.

Timing - February - May

Pre-harvest crop monitors visit properties to identify any pests and diseases, and assess any damage that may have been caused. This job also involves collecting and collating statistical data.

This position involves the collection of fruit samples and testing them for maturity to set parameters.  It may involve travel between properties and a lot of walking within orchards. It also involves collating data.

Tractor drivers are responsible for bin placement and removal. They position empty bins at convenient positions for pickers and remove filled bins ready to be stacked onto trucks. Drivers must be able to operate machinery safely and without damaging the harvested fruit.

Tree branches are pruned by use of secateurs, loppers or electronic pruners. Methods and equipment required may vary between employers. Ladders and elevated work platforms may also be used. This is a skilled job that requires training if a worker does not have experience.

Truck drivers transport fruit between orchards, packhouses and shippers. Truck drivers must have a heavy traffic (HT) license and be able to deliver fruit safely and in good condition. Some paperwork is involved during delivery and dispatch.

Cleaners work in the packhouse ensuring the plant meets industry standards.

Coolstore personnel work in the packhouse coolstores keeping records of stock movements. Accuracy and numeracy are required.

Data management clerks work in the packhouse collecting and collating data either manually or by computer.

Graders sort fruit for physical defects, colour, pest damage and overall quality assurance.

Inspectors usually work at port of export, monitoring shipments to make sure they meet international standards. This position usually requires a MAF qualification.

Labellers work in the packhouse labelling packed fruit for shipment. Using computer-controlled equipment they ensure the traceability of packed fruit to market requirements.

Line managers ensure the quality of the line of fruit being processed complies with industry standards.

Quality controllers are responsible for assessing the quality of the harvested crop. Random samples are taken from bins and packed boxes and checked for quality, size, colour and maturity. Quality controllers need to be able to relate well to both workers and management.

Process factory workers work in the packhouse.

Shift managers are responsible for workflow during the period of their shift. They solve workflow problems by people management and usually liaise with the line manager

Stackers work in the packhouse stacking packed boxes of fruit. This work involves plenty of heavy lifting so stackers must be strong and fit

Strappers secure the loads (with tape or plastic wrap) according to the requirements of the shippers.

Tray fillers / packers work in the packhouse, watching for defects in the fruit and making sure the packed product is presented well.