Harvest work can be physically demanding.

You don’t need special skills to be a harvest worker, but employers may look for certain qualities, including physical strength and stamina.  

Tasks for harvest workers can involve climbing ladders, walking through fields, constant bending or operating heavy machinery.

Harvest workers need to be strong enough to lift heavy tubs or bags of produce and tools, and be able to do repetitive tasks.  

Harvesting of fruit and vegetable crops can involve working individually, in pairs or teams. Most harvesting jobs are done outdoors.  

Crops are collected in various ways and can be placed into buckets, tubs or lugs.

They can be cut, clipped or picked and placed into a bag strapped to the shoulders.

Start and finish times will vary depending on the type of harvest work.

Be prepared to start work early in the morning, and for some crops, late into the day.  

There are other activities required for crop production including pruning and trimming vines and trees, thinning and trimming flowers and bunches and general crop maintenance work.

At a minimum, your pay rates must be in alignment with the relevant award rate.

If you're working in the horticulture & wine industry (which will be the case for many people who gain employment through this scheme) you fall under the Horticulture Award 2010 & Wine Industry 2010.

Please click on the above links if you would like further information about either of these awards.

The two most comment ways to pay staff for harvest work is with an hourly rate or piecework rates. You will know prior to accepting any position if this will be paid as hourly rates or piecework rates.  

Under the Horticulture Award 2010 and Wine Industry Award 2010, an employer and employee can enter into an agreement for the employee to be paid a piecework rate. A piecework rate is a rate of pay on the basis of an amount an employee has individually picked, packed or pruned. It is paid instead of an hourly rate. Piecework is a method of payment, not a type of employment. Pieceworkers are still full-time, part-time or casual employees.

Click here to understand piecework agreements

Some farms will have accommodation but this is rare. More often than not, you will need to source your own accommodation. Search online and you will find various options available (such as hostels, backpackers, Airbnb etc) and you we're confident you will be able to find accommodation that suits your needs.

You can complete the registration for work process by scrolling to the button of this page & clicking on the button which applied to you.  

This will take you to a registration page where you will be asked to complete a form, provide copies of identification and, potentially, other documents.

If you have any questions - feel free to contact our office directly BUT please attempt to complete the online registration process first.

It is very straight forward and needs to be fully completed so we can connect you with harvest employers.

Harvest Trail Services is an initiative that introduces you to growers who have labour requirements.  

We are not your employer.

The grower who you perform the work for is your employer and they are required to comply with all legislative requirements for you including payroll, OHS and superannuation.   

They will provide you with a contract and if you have any questions in regards to your employment you should direct them to the grower or their dedicated HR Officer if they have one.  

If you do not believe your workplace is compliant with legislation please contact your Harvest Trail Officer.