Northern Territory Farm Jobs
List of 29 Farm Jobs
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29 Agricultural Opportunities Available
Discover harvest, livestock, dairy and specialized agricultural positions across Northern Territory
Explore unique agricultural careers in the Northern Territory’s cattle stations and tropical fruit farms, offering adventure and excellent wages in Australia’s outback.
List of 29 Farm Jobs
No jobs match your selected filters.
Farm jobs in Northern Territory are agricultural employment opportunities that span across cattle stations, fruit orchards, and crop farms throughout Australia’s northernmost territory. These positions range from seasonal harvest work to year-round cattle station roles, with the agriculture sector employing approximately 1,900 people and contributing 2.9% to the Territory’s Gross State Product. The industry is dominated by beef cattle production, followed by mangoes and melons, which together account for 90% of the NT’s agricultural production value.
The types of agricultural work available in Northern Territory include:
To find farm work in Northern Territory, there are 5 steps:
Firstly, search specialized agricultural job boards including Agri Labour Australia, AgCareers.com, and the Backpacker Job Board, which list current farm positions across the Territory.
Secondly, register with the Territory WorkerConnect platform, the NT Government’s official employment portal that connects workers with agricultural employers.
Thirdly, contact recruitment agencies that specialize in agricultural placements such as RFTTE Jobs for cattle station work and various harvest labor contractors.
Fourthly, check general job sites like Indeed.com.au, Jora.com, and Adzuna.com.au using specific search terms like “farm work Darwin” or “station hand Northern Territory.”
Fifthly, network directly with farms located 20-80km from Darwin and Katherine town centres, as many positions are filled through word-of-mouth and direct applications.
The harvest season for farm work in Northern Territory varies by crop type. Mango season runs from mid-August through November, with peak picking occurring in September and October, lasting 10-12 weeks depending on weather conditions. Melon harvesting takes place from May to October, providing work opportunities during the cooler months. The Northern Territory uniquely offers year-round orchard harvesting opportunities, particularly around Katherine and Darwin, making it an attractive destination for agricultural workers seeking consistent employment throughout the year.
The visa requirements for farm work in Northern Territory center around the Working Holiday Maker program’s 88-day requirement for visa extensions. Working Holiday visa holders must complete 88 calendar days of specified work in eligible regional areas to qualify for a second-year visa, with the entire Northern Territory qualifying as an eligible region. Specified work includes plant and animal cultivation, tourism and hospitality, construction, mining, and fishing. The 88 days can be completed through full-time work (5 days per week for 3 months) or accumulated through part-time or piecework contracts. UK passport holders, as of July 1, 2024, can obtain up to three Working Holiday visas without meeting specified work requirements.
The best locations for farm jobs in Northern Territory are:
These locations offer the advantage of being near major tourist attractions including Katherine Gorge, Edith Falls, Mataranka Thermal Pools, Kakadu National Park, and Litchfield National Park, allowing workers to explore during time off.
Farm workers earn varying wages in Northern Territory depending on their role and experience level. While specific NT agricultural wage data for 2024 is limited, the national average farmer salary in Australia ranges between $75,000 and $85,000 annually. In the horticulture sector, 76% of workers receive hourly wages while 24% are paid using piece rates. Entry-level positions such as fruit pickers typically earn minimum wage or piece rates during harvest seasons, while experienced station hands and machinery operators command higher hourly rates. Management positions in agriculture can exceed $85,000 annually. The Northern Territory agricultural workforce traditionally experiences relatively low employee wages compared to other industries, with many positions being casual or seasonal. The territory’s agricultural sector faces workforce shortages, which may create upward pressure on wages as employers compete for available workers.
The employment situation for farm workers in Northern Territory reflects a significant labor shortage with job opportunities outstripping workforce supply. The agriculture sector employs approximately 1,900 people year-round, representing 1% of the Territory’s workforce, with labor use increasing by 10% in recent years. The workforce is characterized by an aging demographic, high proportion of casual and seasonal workers (particularly during mango season from August-November), and heavy reliance on Working Holiday Makers and skilled migrants. Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT have the lowest numbers of agricultural workers in Australia, creating ongoing recruitment challenges. This shortage is driven by the territory’s remote location, harsh climate, small population base (Darwin has just 122,000 people), and competition from other industries. The employment outlook remains positive with growing investment in agricultural infrastructure and increasing demand for both local and export markets.
The requirements to work on farms in Northern Territory include:
Additional considerations include the ability to work in harsh climate conditions, adaptability to remote locations, and for international workers, appropriate visa status. The industry’s current labor shortage means employers are increasingly willing to train motivated workers who meet these basic requirements.