Join The Koala Team
We are always on the lookout for great people to join our team, whether to assist with our busy harvest, or fill one of our highly sought after permanent positions.
Koala Cherries employs people in various seasonal roles from November to January each year, so if you’re looking to earn some money over Summer and be a part of a great team, we'd love to hear from you!
Our Packhouse, which is situated in the beautiful Victorian township of Yarck, operates 7 days a week all season. We also have farms in multiple regions across Victoria in Cobram, Strathbogie, Alexandra and Yarck.
Experience isn’t necessary. We value people who are reliable, have a great work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.
Available Roles
Below is information about some of our most popular seasonal jobs. To find out which seasonal and permanent roles we are currently recruiting, click apply now.
This role requires experienced applicants to lead a large team on the packing line. Team Leaders must be great communicators, fast thinkers and have effective time management and problem-solving skills. This role is ideal for people who can build positive, productive relationships whilst rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done.
A variety of packing roles are available in the Packhouse at Yarck, including cherry sorting, scale operating and carton preparation. Come and work with a diverse team of dedicated people.
Join our team as a Grader Operator at Koala Cherries, where you'll be a vital part of our cherry packaging process. The choice to specialize in defect detection, logistics, or both, making this role accessible to a diverse range of individuals. We provide comprehensive on-the-job training and continued support for your success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilize optical grading machinery and software to categorize cherries based on size, colour, and quality.
- Using computer software to monitor and control the flow of cherries through the packing area.
- Maintain communication with packing teams, supervisors, and quality control to optimize coordination and fruit quality.
- Managing the delivery of cherries down the packing lines.
Desired Qualities:
- Good computer skills with a willingness to embrace and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- Problem-solving abilities and adaptability to changing situations.
- Positive attitude and a commitment to teamwork.
Forklift driving positions are available in our Packhouse and on our orchards. To apply for a forklift driver role you must be experienced, hold a current forklift license, able to work in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to stack pallets and fruit bins up to 4.3 metres high. Experience in warehouse or distribution role is advantageous.
Quality control technicians are needed in our Packhouse. Duties include testing and assessing cherries, identifying defects, and communicating these to management and other staff. Records are entered into our software program, so good computer skills and a high level of attention to detail are crucial to this role.
Seeking applications from people with a wide range of administration skills to assist with the smooth running of the business. Experience in logistics, dispatch, and general office skills such as answering phones, date entry and recruitment support will all be highly regarded. Excellent communication skills, an attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure is vital to success in an admin role.
The PDA Operator role involves scanning picker ID cards from lugs into our software program. Great people skills, working accurately and being good with numbers is key for this role.
To apply for a Pickup Driver role, you must be experienced in driving a ute/tractor and trailer. This role involves transporting fruit from the orchards in preparation for delivery to the packhouse. A current driver’s licence is essential.
Cherries are picked by hand by pickers wearing picking buckets and climbing ladders to reach the fruit, so a good level of health and fitness is essential for this role. Cherry pickers are paid per lug. Cherries are picked from daybreak to ensure picking finishes for the day before the afternoon heat hits. You must be fit, healthy and love working outdoors. We have limited availability for this position.
Our People
We are a family owned and run company. The strong values that underlie our operation, extend to the entire team.
We work together toward our shared goal of fresh, quality cherries. Each member is valued and we are proud to have such longstanding and dedicated personnel. Dedicated farm managers and leading hands work tirelessly across all four seasons. A talented team of specialists in maintenance, logistics and administration are invaluable to our operation.
Hear it from our staff
"This is my third season working in the packhouse. I sorted in my first season and am now a punnets supervisor. It's great meeting people from diverse backgrounds. This is a good opportunity to commit to a job for a short period (cherry seasons are very short- less than three months), learn new
skills and experience different things."
"I've worked in the packhouse since
November in quality control - helping assess
and solve problems with cherry quality. I love meeting people from all walks of life and training people to sort cherries. My advice to others considering seasonal work is 'Do it!'. You have to learn quickly because it's such a
short season but it's lots of fun."
"I've worked here as a cherry packer, ensuring the packaged product consists of premium quality fruit, since the start of the season. I have made lots of friends and it has been a nice work environment; I feel safe secure and well supported. To others considering seasonal work I strongly recommend it, give it a go!"
Where is Koala Cherries?
Our orchards and packhouse are based in Yarck, around two hours north of Melbourne, surrounded by rolling hills, orchards, and the beautiful Victorian countryside.
Meet Sarah
What are you waiting for?
Our amazing team in action.
