Forklift Operator

Cherryhill Orchards; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Visa day extensions for WHV

Job summary

CherryHill Orchards in Victoria’s Yarra Valley is seeking a seasonal casual Forklift Operator to support harvest and orchard operations. You will operate a forklift safely, load and unload product, and assist with other farming tasks as required.

On-site site conditions include working outdoors across varying weather. The role requires an LF forklift licence, 1+ year experience, and the ability to work weekends during the October 2026 to January 2027 season.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year forklift experience.
• LF forklift licence required.
• Good command of English and clear communication using radios.
• Availability to work weekends and whole season.
• Reliable, team-oriented and well-organised.

Responsibilities

• Operate the forklift safely, store, handle and transport products without damage.
• Load and unload raw product and packaging per instructions.
• Drive forklift in marked zones, follow Traffic Management Plan and supervisor directions (including cool rooms).
• When not operating forklift, assist other areas and perform farming tasks as needed.

Skills

Forklift operation

LF forklift licence

English communication

Safety awareness

Weekend availability

Team work

Outdoor work

Tractor driving

Tools

Two-way radios

Job description

Job Title: Forklift Operator

Work Type: Seasonal – casual, including weekends & public holidays

Location(s): Yarra Valley & Northern Victoria

ABOUT US

We are CherryHill Orchards, a third-generation family-owned business specialising in premium fresh cherries, based in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. We run agri-tourism experiences and supply fresh cherries to Australia’s supermarkets, independent grocers, and fresh produce markets. We also export our fresh cherries around the world.

Our vision is to be Australia’s most desirable brand in agri-tourism and fresh produce. In everything we do, we believe in creating Moments of Joy and making that accessible to all. We do this by innovating in the way we grow our cherries; by developing products that evoke bite-sized delight and by bringing smiles to all who experience us.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Cherry Season is HERE!

Join our seasonal team from October 2026 to January 2027 in the stunning Yarra Valley (just 1 hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD) or North Regional Victoria.

Positions available:

• 3 in the Yarra Valley area
• 1 in the Northern Regional Victoria (Cobram)

The role is suitable for applicants with full working rights, including Working Holiday Visa holders, Australian Permanent Residents, and Australian Citizens. We’re eligible to sign off on visa day extensions for Working Holiday Visa holders.

What’s in it for you?

1. Supportive and inclusive culture; we genuinely love what we do and take pride in our positive workplace.
2. Training provided to help you succeed.
3. Hourly rate paid under the Horticulture Award on a seasonal casual basis.

What you’ll be doing:

• Operate the forklift safely, ensuring products are stored, handled, and transported without physical damage.
• Follow instructions for loading and unloading raw product and packaging.
• Drive the forklift safely in marked shared zones (including pedestrian crossings), adhering to the Traffic Management Plan and following instructions from the line manager. This includes driving in and out of cool rooms.
• When forklift operation is not required, be flexible and assist other areas of the business as needed.

The Forklift Operator position at Northern Farms is a dual role. The position will also support harvest and orchard operations, including tractor driving, general farm labouring and other farming activities. The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude and be comfortable moving between different activities throughout the day.

On-site accommodation may be available for the position at Northern Farms. A reliable car is required.

About you:

• You have your own vehicle and a full driver’s licence.
• You hold a current LF forklift licence.
• You have a good command of English and can communicate effectively using two-way radios. Being multilingual is a plus!
• You have a minimum of 1 year’s experience operating forklifts.
• You understand Workplace Health & Safety responsibilities.
• You are available to work weekends and can commit to the full season.
• You are team-oriented, reliable and highly organised.
• You have experience with tractor driving and general farming activities.
• You are comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions.

If you have any questions please contact us at [e-mail]