Orchard Assistant (Chemcert) - Hillston, NSW

AgriLabour; Griffith; On-site; AUD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Agri Labour Australia is seeking an Orchard Assistant (Chemcert) to support day-to-day almond orchard operations in Hillston, NSW. This hands-on role involves orchard maintenance, irrigation, machinery operation and chemical application in a safety-focused, outdoor environment.

You will work approximately 38 hours per week with potential for additional hours during peak periods. Prior orchard or agricultural experience and a current Chemcert are highly regarded for this role.

Qualifications

• Current Chemcert and Driver's Licence required.
• Previous agriculture, horticulture or orchard experience is highly regarded.
• Experience operating tractors and other agricultural machinery.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual and able to manage time effectively.
• Good attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures and quality requirements.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Willingness to learn and undertake a variety of orchard and farm tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishment, maintenance and care of almond trees.
• Operate and monitor irrigation systems, water distribution and system faults.
• Prune, train and maintain trees to support productivity and tree health.
• Apply fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides in line with procedures and safety requirements.
• Monitor trees for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and environmental stress.
• Assist with harvesting activities and operate harvest equipment where trained.
• Safely operate tractors, forklifts, sweepers, blowers and other authorised farm machinery.
• Complete routine cleaning and basic maintenance of machinery and equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of orchard activities and quality requirements.
• Follow workplace health and safety, PPE and environmental procedures.
• Perform general farm maintenance and other duties as directed.

Skills

Chemcert

Driver's Licence

Agriculture experience

Tractor operation

Teamwork

Punctuality

Attention to detail

Safety conscious

Instruction following

Tools

Tractors

Forklifts

Job description

Orchard Assistant (Chemcert) - Hillston, NSW

• Hands-on almond orchard role with outdoor work and practical farm tasks daily
• Join a safety-focused team supporting productive almond orchard operations
• Build practical machinery, irrigation and orchard maintenance skills outdoors

The Role

Agri Labour Australia is seeking an experienced and reliable Orchard Assistant (Chemcert) to support day-to-day operations within a productive almond orchard in Hillston, NSW. Working in the horticulture and almond production industry, you will be part of a practical, safety-focused team in a fast-paced outdoor agricultural environment. This hands-on role involves orchard maintenance, irrigation, machinery operation, chemical application and general farm duties, with seasonal workload variations during harvest periods.

Key Responsibilities

You will help maintain healthy almond trees, efficient orchard operations and successful harvest outcomes. The role combines physical outdoor work, machinery operation and routine maintenance while following workplace safety and environmental procedures.

• Assist with the establishment, maintenance and care of almond trees
• Operate and monitor irrigation systems, water distribution and system faults
• Prune, train and maintain trees to support productivity and tree health
• Apply fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides in line with procedures and safety requirements
• Monitor trees for pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and environmental stress
• Assist with harvesting activities and operate harvest equipment where trained
• Safely operate tractors, forklifts, sweepers, blowers and other authorised farm machinery
• Complete routine cleaning and basic maintenance of machinery and equipment
• Maintain accurate records of orchard activities and quality requirements
• Follow workplace health and safety, PPE and environmental procedures
• Perform general farm maintenance and other duties as directed
• Competitive $33.55 per hour + penalty rates
• Potentially ongoing employment for the right candidate
• Approximately 38 hours per week, with additional hours possible during peak periods
• Varied hands-on work across irrigation, machinery and orchard maintenance
• Outdoor agricultural environment with a strong focus on teamwork and safety
• Opportunity to develop broader practical skills across almond orchard operations

Your Skills & Experience

• Current Chemcert and Driver's Licence required
• Previous agriculture, horticulture or orchard experience is highly regarded
• Experience operating tractors and other agricultural machinery
• Willingness to work in varying conditions, including heat, dust and cold
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable, punctual and able to manage time effectively
• Good attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures and quality requirements
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety
• Willingness to learn and undertake a variety of orchard and farm tasks

Choose Agri Labour Australia

Agri Labour Australia is an award-winning Australian company with clients in every State and Territory. Proudly representing major agribusinesses, large primary producers, rural operators, and local farmers - we are more than a recruitment agency. Founded on our firsthand knowledge of the land and dedicated to the ongoing success of our clients' businesses and our candidates' careers, you can rely on us for expertise, advice, and support.