Senior Fruit Farm Worker / Fruit Farm Worker (Leading Hand) (multiple positions)

Senior Fruit Farm Worker/Fruit Farm Worker (Leading Hand) (multiple positions) roles involve conducting general farm operations, including crop maintenance, cultivation, production, and harvesting of fruits such as avocados, bananas, and coffee. These positions require hands-on participation in a team environment, as well being responsible for your work unit whilst leading teams, to ensure efficient farming activities, with senior roles including supervisory responsibilities. Workers will contribute to producing high-quality tropical produce for domestic and export markets in Queensland's fertile regions. No formal qualifications are needed, but a positive can-do attitude and relevant work experience over 2-3 years full time working in large agicultural enterprises are essential for success in this dynamic, outdoor agricultural setting. Formal qualifications: these are are highly regarded of at least a relevant AQF Certificate I level or have at least one year full hours of relevant work experience, in lieu of formal qualifications. 

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with superannuation, performance-based bonuses tied to harvest success, and clear pathways for career advancement within the company. 
• Extensive on-the-job training covering machinery use, safety protocols, and modern farming methods to enhance your professional skills. 
• Inclusive and supportive team culture in a prosperous agricultural enterprise, including access to employee wellbeing programs and mental health support. 
• Extra incentives like subsidised housing for remote sites, complimentary seasonal fruit supplies, and opportunities to attend industry seminars and workshops. 
• Meaningful contribution to Australia's food security, local economies, and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on work-life balance through rostered shifts.

Task & responsibilities

In these roles at Howe Farms, you will engage in daily farm operations to support crop health and productivity. 

Key tasks include: 

• Monitoring the growth of avocados, bananas, coffee, and other crops, conducting regular inspections for issues like nutrient shortages or environmental impacts, and maintaining produce quality before harvesting. 
• Operating specialised equipment such as cherry pickers, bagging machines, tractors, and irrigation systems for cultivating, fertilising, spraying, and harvesting crops safely and efficiently. 
• Applying coloured stickers to banana bunches to classify sizes, monitor maturity, and indicate readiness for picking, improving harvest efficiency. 
• Keeping detailed daily production and work records, compiling reports on yields, equipment use, and incidents to inform management strategies. 
• Preparing and stocking supplies like fertilisers, pesticides, and tools for the next day, while managing stock levels to reduce waste. 
• Carrying out routine activities including planting seedlings, irrigating via drip or sprinkler methods, pruning for optimal growth, thinning dense areas, and applying mulch for soil health. 
• Administering chemicals or organic solutions to manage weeds, pests, and diseases, following rigorous safety and environmental standards. 
• Selecting, harvesting, grading, sorting, and packaging produce into containers, upholding standards for freshness and presentation. 
• Loading packed containers onto vehicles and liaising with transport teams to adhere to delivery timelines. 
• For Senior roles: Leading junior staff through training and oversight, managing equipment upkeep to avoid downtime, enforcing health and safety rules, and scheduling teams for maximum efficiency. 
• Additional duties may encompass soil analysis, planning crop rotations, and joining initiatives to boost farm sustainability.

Qualification & experience

• Relevant experience in farming or horticulture, with a proactive mindset for agricultural tasks in varied outdoor conditions. 
• Physical ability to handle strenuous work in Queensland's climate, including heat, humidity, or rain, with capacity to lift 25-35kg loads repeatedly. 
• Fundamental understanding of horticultural practices, including pest detection, disease management, and sustainable approaches like integrated pest management. 
• For Senior positions: Demonstrated leadership in supervision, team coordination, and problem-solving on farms. 
• Preferred: Valid driver's licence and familiarity with operating farm machinery and vehicles. 
• Strong commitment to ethical and sustainable farming, including biosecurity and environmental compliance.