Leading Australian agriculture company Viterra has launched its annual harvest recruitment drive to fill 1500 seasonal roles in its southern Australian storage and handling network - offering great pay, on-the-job training and the opportunity to travel.
Viterra General Manager Operations Gavin Cavanagh says early forecasts for the upcoming harvest are showing South Australian growers are set for an above average season.
“Growers right across the state have had a great start to the season, crops are well established and looking fantastic,” Gavin says.
“If conditions continue to be favourable, the state is headed for a significant crop harvest of around one to two million tonnes above average.
“This is great news for local growers and makes our annual harvest recruitment drive even more important, as we ensure we’re ready to provide our efficient service to growers when they want to deliver.”
Viterra General Manager Human Resources Alyson Gilbey says harvest jobs are available from October through to January at Viterra’s 53 sites across regional South Australia, and two in western Victoria.
“We pay above award rates and have a variety of roles on offer from general grain handling to classification - all necessary training is provided,” Alyson says.
“No previous experience is required and we can help workers find living arrangements and assist with accommodation in some areas.
“It’s a really fun and safe working environment which attracts students, semi-retirees, job seekers and people who are travelling but also looking to make some extra money along the way.”
Viterra proudly welcomes back a large number of harvest workers season after season, with close to 500 returning last year, which is a testament to the network’s culture and the opportunity it’s providing.
University student Alana Kahl has worked the past four harvests with Viterra and has also stayed on this year to work with the company as it has complemented her study timetable.
“I spend each summer at home working at the Tailem Bend site and this year, I’ve been able to work at the Port Adelaide site after harvest,” Alana says.
“There are so many reasons why I keep coming back every harvest. I really enjoy the culture, people, agriculture aspect, and it’s the best pay I’ve ever received - which is amazing due to the minimal experience required.
“Viterra gives you the hours you need and there’s also the opportunity to work extra hours if you’re wanting to make more money.
“You’re also able to still have a great summer with a harvest job and spend your free time doing fun things. The Tailem Bend site is right near the Murray River which is a really scenic place to explore and spend time with your friends.”
Alana says she’s been able to take on more responsibility during each harvest.
“I’m responsible for training new harvest workers and I really enjoy being able to teach them the best way to do things to make their first few weeks as simple as possible. It’s also a great experience for me as I’m studying to be a teacher.”
Alyson says harvest workers love the lifestyle of being able to finish their shift and enjoy time at the beach, walking and exploring the outback or trying new local eateries.
“We even offer employees who are interested, the chance to move across our network with the harvest, so they can experience more of southern Australia,” Alyson says.
Viterra is proud to be a major employer in regional communities and looks forward to welcoming new people to join its team for the upcoming harvest season.
Applications are open now at viterra.com.au.
