Fruit picking season

Northern Territory (NT) farmers need your support to get produce off to market.

Fruit picking season starts from mid-August. Pickers are needed to ensure NT mangoes do not go to waste.

The NT is Australia’s largest grower of mangoes.

Learn new skills, make great friends, work hard, earn good money and experience iconic Territory locations.

You will be working right next door to some of the greatest parts of the Territory including Katherine Gorge, Edith Falls, Mataranka Thermal Pools and the breathtaking scenery of Kakadu and Litchfield national parks.

Picking is a great way to get your foot in the door, with opportunities for ongoing work, training and further career opportunities.

No prior experience needed. All you need is a good attitude a willingness to learn and reliability.

Work starts from mid-August to October for 10 to 12 weeks depending on the weather.

Requirements:

  • good English literacy, for your safety at work
  • transport from your accommodation to the farm
  • manual driver's licence.

What to bring:

  • hat and sunglasses
  • long-sleeved shirt and sturdy, closed-in shoes
  • sunscreen
  • food and lots of water.

Workers need to be strong enough to lift heavy tubs or bags of produce, tools, and to carry out repetitive tasks.

Picking season starts in the Top End region and lasts for six weeks. Katherine season follows on for approximately another six weeks.

As a picker, your role will involve:

  • working six days per week, up to 10 hours per day for up to 12 weeks
  • starting from as early as 5:30am, depending on role and finishing at around 5pm
  • being flexible around weather impacts day-to-day
  • working indoors and outdoors.

Roles can include:

  • picking
  • packing
  • machinery operation.

Tasks can involve:

  • climbing ladders
  • walking through fields
  • standing for long periods
  • constantly bending
  • operating heavy machinery.

Some farms provide accommodation for a fee.

Farms are located 20kms to 80kms from Darwin and Katherine town centres. You can find low cost accommodation in motels and caravan parks.

Own transport is essential.

For information on available fruit picking jobs, go to the Australian Government's Workforce Australia website.

Training

To learn about picking and handling mangoes, watch a 10 minute training video from the Australian Mango Industry.

Testimonials

Testimonial from Seth Purtill, Mango Picker

Testimonial from Martina Matzner, Farm Manager

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