Harvester & Packer

  • This job is for people that have the time to learn this skilled job and stay long term, or return after a short break.

     

  • Type of work

    You will be rotated around the following work.  Click each header to see the videos:

  • Hours

    We operate all year round.  

    We only stop production in extreme circumstances, such as when there is lots of rain, a natural disaster or a lack of staff.

    Details are:

    • Approximately 5 days per week, Monday to Friday.
    • Working around 7.6 hours per day.
    • Some Saturday work on occasions (optional).
    • Usually starts just after sunrise - between 5am and 8am.
    • Start times may be later if there has been rain overnight or if we are waiting for the field to harvest product before we can pack.
    • You will receive a message every evening to confirm the following day's work plan and start time - using the Asana app.
  • Payment terms

    You will be employed under the Horticultural Award 2020, as follows:

    • Casual Award Rate of $28.27 for hourly work.
    • Wage is deposited into your bank. account every 2 weeks, and your payslip is emailed to you.
    • Superannuation - we will help you set up an account if you do not already have one.
  • Superannuation & taxation

    Superannuation is currently 11% of your gross monthly wages, applicable once the threshold of $450 before tax has been reached.  Note that these rules may vary for people under the age of 18.

    Taxation will be paid to the Australian Taxation Office.

  • What we do for you!

    We employ mostly long-term people and some of our Australian staff have been with our company for over 20 years!   

    We do our best to ensure everyone can succeed!  In return, we ask that everyone follows all workplace health & safety regulations, the food safety rules and is respectful to each other.

    Our new lunchroom facility provides air-conditioned comfort, microwave, kettle and a great place for a well-earned rest.

    Most staff wear their Bare Essentials uniform shirt, which is not mandatory.  They are available for purchase from the office, and you are welcome to purchase a shirt too!

    On occasions, we hold social events and meetings that help to create a sense of belonging and family amongst our team.

    We have an agricultural career advisor and trainer on-site.  If you wish to start a career in Australian ag - we are happy to help and work with you on achieving your goals!

  • Location

    9 Morton Vale School Road, Morton Vale Qld 4343
    8km’s from Gatton township

  • Skill & input required

    • Good dexterity / fine motor skills.
    • Able to bend and work at ground level and to keep moving during harvest
    • Be able to work with a combination of speed and quality
    • Handle produce in a way that does not damage and bruise product
    • Follow all policies and procedures (food safety, COVID, OHS, IR, etc)
    • Must message in Asana (app) if not able to come to work

  • Daily workplan

    The owner of the business and our team leaders prepare workplans and rosters weekly.  You may be provided with a rough guideline of start times and jobs for the coming week.  We will confirm every night through the Asana app, for the following day's work.  If you are not coming to work that day, you MUST message back and advise so a fill-in person can be organised.

    To be able to receive the daily messages, you will be sent a link to an app called ‘Asana”.

    Every morning before work starts, we may hold a Tool Box Meeting to discuss the daily work schedule, along with any OHS, Food Safety, COVID or Industrial Relations issues. Some issues may be broadcast through the Asana App.

  • What to bring everyday

    Smile, large water bottle, morning tea, lunch, and the right clothing.

     

  • What to wear

Harvesting boots:  Most harvesting staff wear 'mud boots', which are similar to rock/surf boots.  These are ideal as they are water proof and very flexible so they don't hold onto the mud as much as boots with large tread.

Socks:  Don't underestimate the importance of socks.  Find the best socks that you can afford for your feet and shoe type.  The wrong socks can cause fungal issues and rashes when worn continually.  Some people enjoy wearing thinner socks in summer, and thicker socks in winter.

Trousers/pants: When harvesting wear long pants as you are walking through high crops and kneeling down.  They long pants protect your legs against rashes, cuts etc.  As you are bending over, it is can be more comfortable to wear stretch pants or pants with an elastic waist.

Shirts:  Wearing long sleeve shirts with a collar is ideal to stop sunburn.  However, remember that the type of fabric and weave of the shirt makes all the difference as the correct fabric and fabric weave can allow your skin to breath better.  Uniform shirts are available at cost from the farm office - they are not mandatory.

Jacket/jumper:  When in the field be prepared for cool mornings, wind and hot sunny days by lunch time.

Hat:  A full brim hat is a necessity.  But should be a hat that is breathable and can be washed or get wet.  Straw hats are good, but will perish quickly once they are wet.  A legionnaires hat is a perfect option, as it is light, breathable has a wide brim and protects your neck and upper back with the option of a face protector also.

Gloves:  it is optional to wear gloves whilst harvesting.  Most people opt for good quality disposable gloves.  Nitrate disposable gloves are more expensive, but they do last much longer than the cheaper ones.

Sunscreen and/or sunglasses:  Is advisable.

Water and dehydration:  Bring a large water bottle, at least 2 litres.  A proper cooler type bottle is best and you will appreciate it after working for a few hours.  Water is available on farm to refill your bottle during breaks.

 

Packing shed:  

Wear comfortable clothing.  We will provide you gloves, sleeve protectors, aprons and boots.  These can be worn over your usual clothes.