The Mango picking season is January in Childers and the season runs for approximately 2-4 weeks. It is good hourly paid work, 5-7 days a week in the heat. It is very weather dependant so storm delays are likely (you can't pick in the wet).
Mango picking is done from the ground. The fruit is very delicate and bruises easily so you have to be careful as well as quick.
There are also mango pack shed jobs available.
The sap from the mango stem can cause an allergic reaction in some people - called Mango rash. If you get mango rash you cannot continue working as the allergen builds up the more contact you have with it, causing inflammation and swelling. This also means that you cannot eat mangos during picking season as this increases the chance of getting mango rash! People with pale skin or red hair are more susceptible to mango rash, so take that into consideration if you are looking to apply. If you do get Mango Rash there may be a possibility of moving onto other jobs if positions are available.
There may be other work on the mango farm after picking for good workers. Own transport a bonus.
Luscious lychees are in season from late December through January (4-7 weeks depending on the crop and weather events). This is good hourly paid work, 5-7 days a week for the season. Depending on the farm you could be picking, packing or both.
You may be able to move on to mango work after lychees finish. Own transport an advantage.
Be prepared to work outside in the hot Queensland summer.
There are a range of packing shed positions available at different times of year. Hours may vary depending on the crop and the time of season, but on average they can work good hours with a mix of long and short days, hourly paid.
Packing shed jobs may involve sorting and packing fruit, lifting and moving boxes, forklift driving. You may need to be fit and strong for some roles, and be able to work on your feet all day for others.
Fruit picking is strenuous work involving working long hours, often in the heat, and doing repetitious tasks that can be physically demanding. This means sufficient physical fitness is an inherent requirement of working as a fruit picker.
You need to be mentally prepared to be working outdoors, on your feet, in the Queensland heat. You will be briefed on safety and how to avoid heat stress. It is important to drink lots of water, eat well and not be hungover or dehydrated for work.
You also need to understand that weather and the markets affect farm work and this may change the days you work and hours in the day.
Some jobs start work very early in the morning and are finished by lunchtime to avoid the hottest part of the day. Other jobs start later depending on the crop and the farm schedule.
As you are working outside amongst trees and plants you will come across spiders and insects, so keep that in mind if you are afraid of them!
There is farm and tree maintenance work year round including grafting, pruning, and planting.
Macadamia Farm Hands: October - December.
General farm work including planting and maintenance of macadamia trees. Hours typically 6am to 2.30pm. Hourly paid plus superannuation. May work at different farm sites. Own transport essential.
Nursery work - various times
Varied duties involving growing plants from potting, planting, transplanting, pruning, grafting and more, at various times during the year.
Regular full time hours, Monday to Friday.
Own transport essential.
RECRUITING FROM FEBRUARY - Picking avocados usually offers stable hourly paid work 5 days a week, 7.00 - 3.30/4pm for the season. This is weather and market dependant and can change at times. The cooler Autumn and Winter temperatures and long season make it a popular job to qualify for the Second or Third Year Working Holiday Visa.
Avocados are picked from the ground or a cherry picker; you may need a drivers license to operate a cherry picker, and not be afraid of heights. These farms pay an hourly rate so you earn good money and jobs are highly sought after.
We encourage you to use your own transport to get to work and car pool with others. That way there is no extra cost if you have a car, or you contribute to travel costs if you are getting a ride with someone.
To enquire about farm work and staying at Childers Ecolodge please email info@childersecolodge.com.au 1-2 weeks before you are available to arrive, with the following information:
You only need to apply once to be considered for any position that becomes available.
We will put you on the waiting list for 1 week. If you are still looking for work please email again weekly to stay on the waiting list.
Most of our farms pay an hourly rate so you earn good money and jobs are highly sought after. The current Horticultural Award rate is $29.33 per hour plus superannuation (if you are over 20. Lower rates apply for under 20 year olds). You are employed by the farm directly, and farms usually pay weekly, although this may vary depending on the employer and can be fortnightly.
Some jobs pay by contract rate (by bucket, bin, or bunch). You will be told what the rate is, and how much you are expected to pick to give you an equivalent of the hourly rate.
With contract rates the faster you work the more you pick and the more you earn. With hourly rate what you earn is set. In either situation, if you are not performing your work to the required standard, or if you don't have a good attitude or listen to instructions, you will not be required any longer. We cannot place you at another job if this happens.
Payslips are provided and work qualifies for the second and third year Working Holiday Visa.
MANGO PICKING/PACKING
LYCHEE PICKING/PACKING
AVOCADO PICKING/PACKING
Can I help reduce the chance of getting mango rash? YES!
DO NOT EAT MANGOS UNTIL YOU HAVE FINISHED WORKING WITH THEM!
Can I buy work clothes in Childers?
Yes at Dimmeys, Dollars and Sense, The Outlet Shop, Vinnies, Lifeline and the Family Shop (second hand).
Hardware shop has work boots but best to bring trainers/sneakers with you. Shops are closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
NOTE: your work clothes/shoes will most likely be permanently stained with red soil so don't wear your favourite gear.
If when you apply we do not have any jobs available we put you on the waiting list for 1 week. If you are still looking after 1 week just send us another email every week to stay on the waiting list, updating your location. During peak season, the hostel is full and places (jobs and beds) only come up when people move on. If you are located nearby and can move at short notice you may have the advantage of getting any jobs that come up at short notice. Apply once you arrive in Queensland if you are located in Western Australia or overseas.
When there are jobs available we will offer suitable people who have applied the chance of a position, then it will be the first to reply and book who gets the job. Usually we will explain what type of job it is, although farmwork can be unpredictable sometimes and you may end up at a different job depending on weather, fruit readiness, and transport options. We do our best to get you working straight away, and keep you updated on start dates. You have the right to decline any job offer before you arrive, bearing in mind another job may not come along for some time. Generally you cannot switch between jobs. Once you start a job, you commit to finishing the season or working at least 2 months.
Having your own transport is a big advantage and means you have a better chance of getting a farm job with us. Everyone self-drives, and limited ride share places are available. If you ride with someone you pay your driver a share of petrol and running costs.Some hostels provide transport for you in their buses or vans so that may be a better option if you don't have your own transport and need to get working quickly.
Can I rent a car?Rental cars are not a good option as they get expensive over a few months. Many farm roads are not sealed and rental cars are not insured to drive on them. If we offer you a job based on you saying you have your own transport, you need to come with your own transport. If you turn up with a rental car and then give it back you may not be able to get yourself to work, and we may have to replace you with someone who does have transport. .
We only accept people if we have a suitable farm work position and place at the hostel so apply now! Check in weekly if you are still looking to join us.
Please email with the following information for each person in your group:
Name, when available to arrive/start, current location, type of transport you have (# seats), how long you want to work for, where you are coming from, if you would consider camping (supply own tent);
to info@childersecolodge.com.au
See FAQ's above for details on the Waiting List.