Farm & Harvest Workers - Emerald LMT 2027

Costa is seeking expressions of interest from jobseekers for up to 750 casual seasonal Citrus Harvest and Farm Worker roles in the Emerald region, to support our 2027 citrus season.

Intakes may commence from January, with the primary citrus season generally running from April to December, depending on crop timing, weather, market demand and operational requirements. Seasonal roles are generally available for 6 to 9 months.

About the roles

Available roles may include citrus picking, thinning, packing, crop care, general farm labouring, cleaning, housekeeping, stacking cartons, container loading, computer packing, receivals, despatch and other general farming or packing duties as directed by a supervisor or leading hand.

These roles are physically demanding and may involve standing or walking for extended periods, repetitive movement, ladder climbing, bending, squatting, lifting, carrying, stacking cartons and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Workers may be required to lift or carry items up to approximately 20kg.

Some higher-level roles may also be available depending on business needs, including tractor, truck and forklift operator roles, leading hand roles and supervisory roles. Applicants must hold any licence or permit legally required for the equipment being operated.

Hours of work

Hours and work locations may vary depending on crop timing, weather, market demand and operational requirements. Roles may involve early starts, late finishes, weekdays, weekends and public holidays.

Work is located on rural properties in and around the Emerald, QLD region. Applicants must be able to reliably travel to and from rostered work locations.

Casual seasonal roles are offered on an as-needed basis. During peak harvest and packing periods, casual workers may be offered up to 38 hours per week, depending on crop, weather, market demand and operational requirements. Hours may be reduced as required and are not guaranteed.

Pay and conditions

Pay and conditions will be in accordance with the Horticulture Award 2020 and the National Employment Standards. Entry-level adult casual roles may commence from the current Level 1 casual Award rate of $32.18 per hour, where Level 1 applies. Level 1 applies only where appropriate under the Award, including for workers who are new to the horticulture industry or have less than 3 months’ horticulture industry experience. Workers with 3 months or more horticulture industry experience will be classified and paid at least Level 2, currently $33.05 per hour for adult casual employees, or a higher classification where required based on the duties performed, skills, training, experience and applicable Award classification.

Picking, packing, crop care and general farm labouring roles are generally classified at Level 1 or Level 2, depending on the duties performed and the worker’s horticulture industry experience.

Tractor, truck and forklift operator roles are generally classified at Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4, depending on the duties performed, equipment operated, required licence, training and competency.

Assistant supervisor and supervisor roles generally start from Level 3 and may increase up to Level 5, depending on the duties performed, team size, level of responsibility, training, experience and demonstrated competency.

Most picking work will be paid by piece rate. Where piece rates apply, pieceworkers will receive a piecework record before commencing the piecework task. A minimum pay rate guarantee will apply in accordance with the Horticulture Award 2020, and pieceworkers will be paid at least the applicable minimum wage guarantee for their classification and hours worked.

Superannuation and any applicable overtime, penalty rates, allowances and loadings will be paid in accordance with the Horticulture Award 2020.

Training and development

Previous horticulture experience is not required for entry-level roles. Costa provides workplace induction, safety training and task-specific training.

There may be opportunities to develop further skills, including machinery competency, forklift training, truck licensing, first aid training or leadership development, depending on business needs, role availability, performance, attendance and suitability.

About you

To be successful, applicants should:

• Be willing and able to perform physically demanding work
• Be reliable, punctual and safety-focused
• Be able to follow instructions and safe work procedures
• Be willing to work rostered shifts, including weekends and public holidays where required
• Be willing and able to complete picking, packing, crop work and general farm duties
• Have good fine and gross motor skills
• Work respectfully and cooperatively in a multicultural team environment
• Have good attention to detail and a positive attitude
• Be available for the expected employment duration
• Be able to reliably travel to and from rural worksites
• Hold valid working rights in Australia

If you are interested in future casual seasonal Citrus Harvest and Farm Worker opportunities with Costa in the Emerald region, please submit your expression of interest through the link below.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email or phone as suitable roles become available. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in Australia before commencing employment.

Apply now

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