Taking on a harvest role this season has just become even more enticing, with leading Australian agriculture network Viterra increasing their roles available to 1650, and introducing financial incentives, following recent significant rainfall across the region.
The 2022/23 harvest has the potential to reach over 11 million tonnes of grain production, making it the second largest harvest on record for the state.
Viterra General Manager Operations, Gavin Cavanagh says it’s very good news for growers and people looking for seasonal work in the company’s southern Australian storage and handling network.
“To ensure we can provide an efficient service to growers during their busiest time, we’ve opened up an additional 150 jobs for our network which includes 55 sites across South Australia and western Victoria,” Gavin says.
“We’ve also introduced a refer a friend to harvest initiative. This means a returning harvest worker to Viterra or current employee can receive financial rewards of up to $200 each if who they recommend is successful in securing work.*
“The successful applicant will then go into a draw to win a $150 voucher, to spend in the region they’ll be working in.
“The vouchers are a great way to say thanks for spreading the word about this season’s additional harvest work opportunities, while also encouraging new harvest employees to explore and support our local communities.”
Viterra pays above award rates and provides all necessary training for the various harvest roles from general grain handling to classification. Accommodation is also available in some areas.
“Harvest workers are at the heart of what we do, helping move locally grown grain into storage so that it can be sold to markets across Australia and globally,” Gavin says.
“We provide an inclusive, supportive and safe environment. A harvest job with Viterra is a great opportunity to make great money, learn new skills and explore regional southern Australia during free time.”
To accommodate the bumper harvest ahead, Viterra is introducing additional grain storage in the Western and Eastern regions through recommissioning closed bunkers, sheds and sites and building new bunkers.
“We’re investing in expanding our storage network for the harvest to meet growers’ needs,” Gavin says.
“Some projects are complete, while others are waiting on required approvals or contractor availability before work can commence.”
Applications for harvest roles are open at viterra.com.au and no experience is required.
*Refer a friend: a returning Viterra harvest worker or current employee can receive $50 per person for recommending up to a maximum of four people who are successful in securing harvest work.