Help harvest NSW
Find seasonal employment opportunities with farm producers and agribusiness during COVID-19.
About seasonal work
The agriculture industry is facing a significant labour shortage as a result of COVID-19.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, now is a great time to consider agriculture and farm work. Learning how food is produced and harvested is an exciting regional experience.
The agriculture industry has a range of jobs on offer including fruit picking, grain harvesting and working on a cattle station.
Browse the job boards and recruitment services below.
Find a seasonal job
Job boards and classifieds
Find a casual or seasonal job doing fruit picking, harvesting or agricultural work in NSW.
Harvest Trail
Backpacker Job Board
Gumtree
Workabout Australia
Agribusiness recruitment agencies
Apply through a recruitment agency for agricultural jobs in NSW.
AgCareers
AgriCrew
Agricultural Appointments
Agri Labour Australia
AG Workforce
GrainCorp Harvest
Labour Solutions Australia
Rimfire Resources
What seasonal work involves
Physical demanding work
Seasonal work can be physically demanding. Employers may look for commitment, physical strength and stamina.
Harvesting can involve heavy lifting, frequent bending, climbing ladders and working at height or operating heavy machinery. Packing produce may be less physical but is generally more repetitive.
Unskilled work
Some roles are suitable for unskilled workers.
Before applying for a job, check if you have the personal attributes in the advertisement.
Skilled work
Some roles require particular skills and experience.
Before applying for a job, check if you have the qualifications, skills and attributes in the advertisement.
NSW border restrictions
NSW has temporarily shut its border with Victoria to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Victorians wanting to enter NSW must apply for a border entry permit. You must also comply with any conditions of the permit as well as other requirements of the public health order.
Eligibility for seasonal work
You can do seasonal work if you are already in Australia and:
- are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- are an eligible working holiday maker holding a visa with appropriate working rights
- are an overseas student with working rights in Australia
- hold a Seasonal Worker Program visa
- hold a temporary work visa with general work rights, not restricted to an employer or type of work.
Upskill by completing a short course
Not all seasonal jobs require training or qualifications. However, completing a short course may help you secure seasonal work in the agriculture industry.
Before applying for a job, check if you have the skills and personal attributes in the advertisement.
Courses to consider include:
- auto electrics
- book keeping
- business management
- chainsaw operations
- confined spaces
- dogging
- drone operations
- elevated work platform
- excavator tickets
- farm management
- grain harvest operations
- forklift tickets
- heavy vehicle
- operate quad bikes
- operate side-by-side utility vehicles
- operate tractors
- small engine maintenance
- work health and safety.
Visit the LifeLauncher website to explore courses and career opportunities in the agriculture industry.
Vocational and tertiary qualifications
Not all seasonal jobs require training or qualifications. However, obtaining vocational or tertiary qualifications may help you secure seasonal work in the agriculture industry.
Before applying for a job, check if you have the qualifications, skills and personal attributes in the advertisement.
Visit the Smart and Skilled website to find relevant courses and check your eligibility for government-subsidised training.
Below are some vocational and tertiary courses that you may wish to consider.
TAFE NSW
Tocal College courses
RuralBiz Online
Bachelor of Agriculture at Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England
Tips for seasonal workers
A lot of seasonal work is in regional or remote NSW.
Before travelling to regional or remote NSW, you should:
- obtain employment before travelling to regional or rural NSW
- check out nearby accommodation options and costs
- make sure there are facilities and services available.
Before accepting or starting a seasonal job, you should:
- check border restrictions
- check hotspots in NSW
- stay up-to-date with the latest advice and know what you can and can't do in NSW.
Before travelling to start seasonal work, ask your employer what to bring, and what will be available. Consider:
- personal protective equipment
- hat
- sunglasses
- sturdy, closed-in shoes
- sunscreen
- food
- water
- personal products, including toiletries or medication.
Heatstroke is linked to dehydration.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea or vomiting.
To prevent heatstroke drink plenty of water, particularly when doing physical work. Also wear a hat and lightweight, loose-fitting, cotton clothing. If affected, rest in the shade and rehydrate with water.
Severe heatstroke can lead to disorientation, hallucinations and seizures. Seek medical assistance immediately if exhibiting these symptoms.
The sun in NSW is very strong and your skin may burn even on cloudy days.
To protect yourself from the sun:
-
slip on some clothing
-
slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30+ sunscreen
-
slap on a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face, head, neck and ears
-
slide on some sunglasses, making sure they meet Australian Standards
-
seek shade, where possible.