How to find farm work in Western Australia

Farm work in Western Australia

Western Australia, which stretches along the entire West Coast of Australia, is predominantly composed of the outback. However, the South West region is where the population is most concentrated and offers many opportunities for farm work in Western Australia. Known for its lush vineyards and sprawling agricultural areas, this part of the state is ideal for backpackers looking to complete their 88-day agricultural work requirement. Wine enthusiasts will also find themselves in a perfect location, surrounded by world-class wineries while contributing to the thriving farming industry.

Discover Jobs in Western Australia

Finding the best area to do your farm work in Western Australia

To obtain your second year visa you have to complete your 88 days of agricultural work in a rural area. Here are some of the areas Western Australia has to offer.

Margaret River

A quiet little surfing town, the gorgeous setting of this place is well worth a visit and has certainly wooed more than a few people into staying and looking for work! Margaret River is one of the world’s great wine-growing regions. Several labor hire companies have offices in the Margaret River townsite specializing in the recruitment of casual workers principally for vineyard work. Casual vineyard workers are required throughout the year with the busiest time being pruning (June-September) and grape picking (February-April).

Kununurra

Located in the far Northern side of Western Australia the town borders the Northern Territory. July – August is banana season here, October – January is mango season, and from May – September is Zucchini and Rock Melon season.

Facebook

Once you have some idea of where you would like to call home for the next few months, your next task will be finding a farm to employ you. This can be a daunting task but also one that can be done while doing something you love, scrolling down Facebook! Western Australia has a host of great backpacker groups that employers post jobs on, or you can post an advert that highlights yourself and your availability. Some of the best Facebook groups in Western Australia for finding agricultural work are:
facebook/JobsInWesternAustralia
Facebook/PerthWesternAustraliaJobs
Facebook/Mining-Jobs-Western-Australia

Working Hostels

Often regarded as the easiest way to find farm work when speaking to people who have done it, Working Hostels are a great way to get a job and transport to work sorted. There is certainly no shortage of working hostels in Western Australia. Google a working hostel in whichever town takes your pick and give them a call to see if they have any space. This can often be a more expensive option, but when getting your work found for you and your transport to the farm provided, it can work out to be a small price to pay.

Gumtree

Australia’s go-to site for finding casual work, Gumtree is also a leader in advertising for farm work. It is especially popular with the smaller farms that are looking to recruit people for picking jobs. However, we must warn you to always be wary when searching through Gumtree, as anyone can post on Gumtree and scams are not exactly uncommon.

Gumtree features

Gumtree allows you to search for current job vacancies in any area, or let you post your availability advertisement to attract prospective farmers. On here you can post your availability, contact details, current location, experience and any other relevant information you feel would attract farmers to hire you.

Tips for Applying:

• Customize Your Application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight any relevant skills or experience, such as agricultural knowledge, physical fitness, and ability to work in various weather conditions.
• Professional Communication: Maintain professional communication when reaching out to potential employers or agencies.
• Follow-Up: If you submit an application or make inquiries, follow up politely to demonstrate your interest and commitment.

Types of farm work in Western Australia

Grain Farming

Planting: Sowing seeds for crops like wheat, barley, and canola.

Harvesting: Operating machinery to collect mature crops.

Irrigation Management: Ensuring crops receive adequate water.

Pest and Weed Control: Applying pesticides and herbicides.

Livestock Farming

Cattle Farming:

Mustering: Rounding up cattle.

Feeding: Ensuring animals have adequate food and water.

Health Management: Administering vaccinations and treatments.

Where to Find Backpacker Farm Work in NSW 🌾

Farm Work Western Australia

Agri Labour Australia

https://www.agrilabour.com.au › Locations

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors employ around 42,000 local workers in Western Australia on farms, processing plants, and other agribusinesses.

Read more about rural enterprises.

Rural Enterprises Australia specializes in sourcing seasonal farm workers and permanent farm employees to assist you in meeting your staffing requirements. Visit our Featured Candidates page to see just a handful of those workers looking for their next opportunity.

Here are some websites where you can find farm work jobs in Western Australia:

1. Indeed Australia – Search for farm jobs in various regions of Western Australia. Jobs range from fruit picking to farmhand positions. Indeed Australia
2. Agri Labour Australia – This site connects candidates with farm work opportunities across all regions in Western Australia, including positions for machinery operators, farmhands, and agronomists. Agri Labour Australia
3. SEEK – A comprehensive job board listing various farm-related positions including farm labor, machinery operators, and managerial roles. SEEK
4. Backpacker Job Board – This site is tailored for backpackers looking for farm work in Western Australia. It includes positions like fruit picking, packing, and general farm work. Backpacker Job Board
5. Harvest Trail – Managed by the Australian Government, this site provides information on harvest jobs and seasonal work opportunities across Australia, including Western Australia. Harvest Trail

Farm Work in Australia: Everything You Need to Know 🌾

Here are some of the best tips to find farm work in Western Australia:

1. Leverage Online Job Boards:
   • Use websites like Harvest Trail, Seek, and Gumtree to find farm job listings. These platforms often have a wide range of opportunities in different regions of Western Australia.
2. Join Local Facebook Groups:
   • Many local communities and agricultural groups on Facebook post job opportunities. Joining these groups can help you stay informed about the latest openings.
3. Visit Local Employment Agencies:
   • Local agencies often have information about farm work opportunities and can connect you with employers looking for workers.
4. Network with Locals:
   • Building relationships with local farm owners, workers, and community members can lead to job referrals. Attend local events, fairs, and markets to expand your network.
5. Directly Contact Farms:
   • Some farms may not advertise online. Reaching out to farms directly, either by phone or in person, can uncover unadvertised positions.
6. Use Government Resources:
   • The Australian government’s Harvest Trail website provides information on seasonal work opportunities across the country, including Western Australia.
7. Check Backpacker Hostels:
   • Many backpacker hostels in farming regions have job boards and can connect travelers with farm work opportunities.
8. Time Your Search:
   • Western Australia’s harvest seasons vary by crop. For example, grape picking is typically from February to April, while citrus harvesting occurs from May to October. Knowing these seasons can help you target your job search.
9. Prepare Your Documents:
   • Ensure you have the necessary visas and work permits. For international workers, the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is commonly used for farm work in Australia.
10. Stay Flexible:

• Being open to different types of farm work and locations can increase your chances of finding a job quickly. Flexibility with working hours and tasks is often required in farm work.

By combining these strategies, you’ll have a better chance of finding farm work in Western Australia.

By Paraic Walker

Find Jobs in Australia

Travel to Western Australia ✈️