Work For Us
Working for Blueberry Fields
Current Work Available - Farmers' Markets OR Fruit Picking/Packing
Blueberry Fields employs people from the local area as well as visitors from all around the world. Generally, we require additional pickers from June to January, and a smaller number of pickers at other times of the year.
*You must have a prior appointment before entering the property. Unauthorised entry presents ONGOING SERIOUS HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY RISKS TO OUR BUSINESS, EMPLOYEES, THEIR FAMILIES AND OUR PRODUCE. PLEASE DO NOT VISIT THE ORCHARD UNLESS CONTACTED FOR WORK, OR IF YOU HAVE A PRIOR APPOINTMENT.
WEEKLY UPDATE - WE ARE IN THE LEAST BUSY PART OF OUR BLUEBERRY HARVEST SEASON WHICH MEANS THAT WE WILL NOT NEED NEW PICKERS UNTIL MAY OR JUNE 2024.
Last updated - 29/01/2024
FRUIT PICKING / PACKING WORK
We are in our off-season now and are unlikely to need any new pickers until May or June. Please use the form below to apply. Thank you everyone who has sent in a work application form already. If you applied more than 2 weeks ago and are still available, please complete the form again. We will go through them when we need new pickers and will get back to you as we start new workers.
FARMERS' MARKET STALL OPERATOR (including weekends)Occasionally, we look for a casual (hourly) employee to operate the Farmers' Market Stall one to three days a week including Saturdays and/or Sundays. The position is responsible for the operation of stalls at farmers' markets including set up and pack down, refrigerated van driving and transport, food safety and stock control, as well as communicating with customers. Knowledge of and enthusiasm for horticulture and customer interaction is essential. Applicants must have a current driver licence, be physically fit, self-motivated and be able to meet early morning deadlines. Please use form below to apply.
Work conditions
Fruit picking work is gentle physical outdoor work. The area between the rows of blueberry bushes is mown grass. You walk along your allocated rows of blueberries selecting the ripe fruit and gently placing them in a small bucket belted to your waist. Blueberry bushes are kept pruned to about 1.5 metres high so there is little bending and no ladder work. However, it will often be hot and some people find it tedious.
Work Hours
Blueberries cannot be picked when they are wet. Therefore, picking does not begin until the morning dew has dried from the berries - usually about 8:30 or 9am. Picking continues until about 4pm or later in summer.
Picking is mostly done from Monday to Friday but occasionally you may be offered Saturday or Sunday picking, especially if wet weather has prevented picking during the week. There is no picking on wet or rainy days.
Pay Rates and Picking Quality
We pay on a piece rate per kg basis (the more berries you pick the more we pay you).
Picking quality is extremely important. You will be trained so that you know how to pick and sort quality fruit. The first quality berry rate is only paid for first quality picking.
If you haven't picked blueberries before it usually takes 7-10 days to get your quality and speed up. New pickers should be prepared to give themselves at least a week, and not give up in the first day or so. Pickers find that improving quality and speed is more mental than physical — they are surprised how easy it becomes.
Orientation for Blueberry Picking Work
If we ask you to come for orientation for picking you must bring your bank details, your tax file number, your superannuation details and your passport number. Be ready to stay the whole day and pick after orientation and training. You will need a wide-brimmed hat, appropriate sun-protection clothing, shoes must be fully enclosed (no sandals allowed), as well as food and water.
You can find accommodation in Bangalow, Byron Bay, Suffolk Park, Lennox Head, Ballina and Lismore. You will need a car as there is no reliable public transport.
