Posted by Australia’s agricultural sector continues to offer hands-on opportunities for workers who are comfortable working outdoors, operating equipment and taking on physically demanding seasonal workloads. One such opportunity is now available for a Fruit Farm Worker – Grapes & Other Commodities in Red Cliffs, Victoria, with annual pay of $75,000 to $77,000.
The role is suited to practical and dependable workers with experience in farming, horticulture, vineyard operations or related agricultural work. The position covers everything from vineyard maintenance and grape cultivation to harvesting, packing, machinery operation and general farm duties.
Here is a closer look at the role, its requirements, working conditions and what prospective candidates should know.
Fruit Farm Worker Job Details
- Job Title: Fruit Farm Worker – Grapes & Other Commodities
- Employer: RJN Cua Vineyards Pty Ltd
- Location: Red Cliffs, Victoria, Australia
- Job Type: Permanent, full-time
- Salary: $75,000–$77,000 per year
- Work Schedule: Up to six days per week depending on operational requirements
- Typical Start Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Typical Shift: Up to 12 hours, depending on workload
- Peak Availability: December through May
- Industry: Agriculture, horticulture and viticulture
About the Fruit Farm Worker Role
The successful candidate will work on an established table and wine grape farm in Red Cliffs, a major agricultural area in Victoria.
This is a practical role involving both vineyard and shed operations. Workers will be expected to contribute throughout different stages of grape production, from maintaining vines and managing irrigation to harvesting, sorting and preparing produce for transportation.
The employer is looking for people who are hardworking, committed and able to adapt to changing workloads during the harvest period.
Key Responsibilities
The Fruit Farm Worker will be involved in several areas of agricultural production.
Vineyard Maintenance
Responsibilities include:
- Pruning grapevines
- Constructing and repairing trellises
- Managing irrigation
- Monitoring pests and diseases
- Controlling weeds
- Maintaining the general condition of the vineyard
Grape Cultivation
Workers may also assist with:
- Training vines
- Leaf plucking and thinning
- Bunch thinning
- Maintaining grape quality throughout the growing cycle
Harvesting and Packing
During harvest, duties can include:
- Carefully picking table and wine grapes according to ripeness and quality requirements
- Sorting harvested grapes
- Grading fruit
- Packing produce
- Loading harvested produce onto trucks
Shed and General Farm Duties
The position also involves:
- Cleaning and maintaining farm sheds
- Organising stock
- Preparing products for export by hand
- General farm clean-up
- General property and equipment maintenance
- Operating farm machinery
Training may be provided for farm machinery operation where necessary.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants need to meet several practical requirements for the position.
The essential criteria include:
- A current Australian driver’s licence
- Reliable transport to, from and around the workplace
- A forklift licence
- A chemical handling licence
- A Heavy Rigid (HR) truck licence
- Ability to continuously lift and move loads of 10 kg or more
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment medical
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol check
The combination of driving, machinery and chemical-handling requirements means this position is particularly suited to candidates with practical agricultural or farm experience.
Working Hours and Seasonal Requirements
The role can involve a demanding schedule, particularly during harvest.
Workers may work six days or fewer per week, depending on the farm’s operational requirements. Shifts commonly begin at approximately 6:00 AM and may last for up to 12 hours.
Availability from December through May is essential because this period can involve significant seasonal activity.
Candidates should therefore be comfortable with early starts, long working days and changes to their schedule based on harvest and farming requirements.
What Makes This Opportunity Attractive?
The salary is one of the major highlights of this position.
The advertised annual salary is $75,000 to $77,000, while the permanent full-time arrangement provides an opportunity for someone seeking a longer-term role in Australia’s agricultural sector.
The position may also suit workers who prefer:
- Outdoor work rather than a traditional office environment
- Practical and physically active jobs
- Vineyard and horticultural work
- Working with agricultural machinery
- A role with varied daily responsibilities
- A career within Australia’s agricultural industry
Who Is This Job Suitable For?
This position could be a good fit for candidates who have experience in:
- Vineyard operations
- Fruit farming
- Horticulture
- Agricultural labour
- Farm machinery operation
- Harvesting and produce handling
- Irrigation and crop maintenance
- Agricultural logistics
It may also appeal to experienced farm workers who want to expand their responsibilities and work across cultivation, harvesting, machinery and post-harvest operations.
Important Things Candidates Should Know
This is not a light-duty agricultural position. The job involves physical work, early mornings, extended shifts and manual handling.
Candidates should be prepared to:
- Work outdoors for extended periods
- Lift and move heavy items repeatedly
- Work during busy harvest periods
- Operate or learn to operate farm machinery
- Work up to six days per week when required
- Start shifts as early as 6:00 AM
- Meet workplace health and safety requirements
The employer also specifically requires workers to have their own transportation for getting to and around the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Fruit Farm Worker position?
The advertised salary is $75,000 to $77,000 per year.
Where is the job located?
The position is based in Red Cliffs, Victoria, Australia, an agricultural area known for horticultural and grape production.
Is this a full-time position?
Yes. The position is advertised as permanent and full-time.
How many hours will workers work?
Hours vary according to farming and harvest requirements. Shifts commonly begin around 6:00 AM and can last up to 12 hours, with workers potentially working six days or fewer per week.
Is previous farm experience required?
The listing does not state a specific number of years of experience. However, the duties and licence requirements make practical agricultural, machinery or vineyard experience highly relevant.
Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. Applicants must have a current Australian driver’s licence and transportation to, from and around the workplace.
Does the job require a forklift licence?
Yes. A forklift licence is listed among the essential criteria.
Is a truck licence required?
Yes. Candidates must have a Heavy Rigid (HR) truck licence.
Is a chemical handling licence required?
Yes. A chemical handling licence is listed as an essential requirement.
When is availability particularly important?
Workers must be available from December through May, when seasonal and harvest requirements can increase.
Is the job physically demanding?
Yes. The role involves lifting and moving 10 kg or more continuously, along with vineyard maintenance, harvesting, machinery operation and other manual farm duties.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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