Leading agriculture network Viterra is on the hunt for 1500 seasonal workers across South Australia and western Victoria as local growers prepare for a strong harvest.
Harvest work with Viterra pays above award rates with no previous work experience required. Viterra provides all necessary training for the various roles from general grain handling to classification.
Harvest jobs are available at Viterra’s 53 sites across South Australia, and two in western Victoria from around October to January, with the opportunity for ongoing work beyond the harvest period.
Viterra General Manager Human Resources, Alyson Gilbey says harvest work is exciting and rewarding with opportunities available to suit a range of age groups and backgrounds.
“If the opportunity to make great money in the summer holidays and explore southern Australia’s beautiful regions in your spare time appeals to you, we encourage you to apply. We’ll give you all the training and support that you need to succeed,” Alyson says.
“Harvest work is ideal for school students and university students looking for summer work outside of their studies, school leavers, retirees, backpackers and anyone looking to gain work experience and new skills.
“Our harvest workers tell us that they enjoy the variety that the roles offer and being part of a fun, supportive and safe working environment as they assist local growers during the busy harvest period.
“This is evidenced by the large number of people who we welcome back to join us season after season with over 500 return harvest workers last year.”
Viterra General Manager Operations, Gavin Cavanagh says the 2023/24 season forecast is shaping up to be promising.
“The recent rainfall events have provided a great boost to crops and they are looking great,” Gavin says.
“We appear to be on track for an above average season, with the final result determined by spring conditions from mid-August to early October.
“Our harvest recruitment drive is really important in making sure we have the right people ready to support our grower customers when the harvest gets underway.
“Harvest workers are critical to our success in helping us to receive, store and move local growers’ grain to international markets.”
After a 35-year career as a motor mechanic, Rob Longhurst says he was looking to try something different when he applied to join Viterra for the 2022/23 harvest.
“I was semi-retired and looking to work outside of the mechanical trade. I saw the roles advertised and it was something I had never tried before and so I thought I’d give it a go,” Rob says.
“One of the best things about harvest work is the variety, there’s different tasks to do throughout the day and no two days are the same.
“I’ve enjoyed working with a great bunch of people with plenty of knowledge. As someone new to the industry, I really appreciated the support and guidance, and the on-the-job training was excellent.”
After working the harvest at Viterra’s Karoonda site, Rob has continued with the company, transitioning into a permanent part-time role at Tailem Bend.
“My advice to anyone considering applying for one of these roles is, go for it! It’s a great opportunity to earn some money over the holidays and if you enjoy the work, you could stay on and grow your career.”
Viterra is proud to be a major employer in regional communities and looks forward to welcoming new and returning workers to join its team for the upcoming harvest season. Assistance with accommodation is available in some areas.
For more information and to apply, visit the harvest jobs section of the Viterra website, viterra.com.au/Careers/Harvest-jobs.
