Orchard positions – Launching Place Victoria Up to twelve positions commencing Late October/November 2024 to April/May 2025 (two intakes) Up to eight positions commencing around Feb/March2024 to early Sept 2025 Up to ten positions commencing around March/April 2024 to late Sept 2025

Vernview Pty Ltd requires up to thirty hardworking, physically able and reliable workers to plant trees, net trees, thin crop load, pick, prune and attend to general orchard maintenance at their two apple orchards in Launching Place Victoria.

The first intake will commence on, or around late October 2024 or early November and workers are required to be available up to a seven-month period. Start date will be determined by blossom flowering in October A second intake is expected to commence late November and workers are expected to be available for up to a seven-month period. A third intake is expected to commence March 2024 and workers are expected to be available for up to a seven-month period. A fourth intake is expected to commence in late March 2024 and workers are expected to be available for up to an seven-month period. Exact start times will be advised to successful applicants and may vary by a few weeks due to seasonal conditions. Commencement date will determine end of contract date as work follows seasonal conditions. Do not apply for an immediate start and please do not apply if not available for entirety of either season. Workers employed in the first or second intake may be considered for an extension of work to September.

The positions are outdoor work, and work is undertaken in a range of weather conditions. The work is of a physical nature requiring physical fitness to dig holes to plant trees, assist with trellising, netting of trees and undertake pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest activities. Thinning work will commence in November and will involve the use of ladders. Harvest will commence in February and requires work from A frame ladders and picking into canvas bags (approx. 15kgs when full) strapped to shoulders. Pruning work commences in May and involves working from ladders, use of hand tools. All ladder work involves stepping up and down and shifting the ladder to different locations as needed. The work will involve use of ladders and a variety of harvest and pruning equipment. This is very labour-intensive work. Candidates must be motivated and be able to work and learn quickly, with attention to detail, high concentration level, good eyesight is essential as fruit picked is selected based on colour of fruit and a number of other quality indicators. Successful candidates will be required for 7am or earlier starts to work using ladders, pruning and picking equipment. Candidates will work in a small team environment and must have the ability to work with accuracy and follow instructions. Work may start earlier in the day during times of extreme temperatures. Workers must have access to own transport due to farm locations and be available up to 7 days per week during the harvest period (February to May) as the crop load and maturity and weather conditions will determine work times. Award hours are 152 hours over 4 weeks, (average of 38 hours per week). Overtime may be available according to award conditions. No previous experience is necessary. Successful candidates would be offered employment on a fixed term full time seasonal contract under the 2020 Horticulture Award (MA000028) as Level 1 employees. Candidates with experience and/or training with Hydralada Compact 300 machines or horticulture work in an apple orchard environment will be considered for Level 2 positions as required by the award. Training will be provided opportunities for workers to upskill. Award rates: Level 1 rate from 1 July 2024 $23.46 per hour Level 2 rate from 1 July 2024 $24.10 per hour (source Fair Work Commission)

Do not apply for an immediate start and please do not apply if not available for the entire season as indicated.

To Apply: Applicants must send an email requesting an application form directly to – “vernview@bigpond.com” 

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Only successful/shortlisted applicants will be contacted.