Queensland Farm Jobs

269 Agricultural Opportunities Available

Discover harvest, livestock, dairy and specialized agricultural positions across Queensland

Join Queensland’s thriving $23.44 billion agriculture sector with opportunities in sugar cane, tropical fruits, cotton, and cattle industries offering year-round employment.

Queensland Farm Jobs

List of 269 Farm Jobs

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What are farm jobs in Queensland?

Farm jobs in Queensland are agricultural employment opportunities across the state’s $23.44 billion agriculture sector. These positions range from entry-level fruit picking and farm hand roles to specialized positions like agronomists and farm managers. Queensland’s agricultural sector employs workers across 120+ produce types including sugar cane (96% of national production), bananas (94% of national production), cotton (33% of national production), and cattle (48% of national herd).

The agricultural workforce in Queensland comprises both permanent and seasonal positions across horticulture, broadacre farming, livestock operations, and specialized crop production.

What types of agricultural jobs are available in Queensland?

The types of agricultural jobs available in Queensland include:

  • Fruit Pickers and Packers: Seasonal workers who harvest and package fruits and vegetables across Queensland’s diverse growing regions
  • Farm Hands and General Farm Workers: Entry-level positions involving daily farm operations, animal care, and crop maintenance
  • Tractor Drivers and Machinery Operators: Skilled operators who handle agricultural equipment for planting, harvesting, and farm maintenance
  • Station Hands: Workers on cattle stations responsible for livestock management and property maintenance
  • Jackaroos and Jillaroos: Trainee positions on cattle stations learning all aspects of station management
  • Agronomists: Agricultural scientists who provide crop management advice and optimize farming practices
  • Farm Supervisors: Mid-level managers who oversee farm operations and coordinate work teams
  • Farm Managers: Senior positions responsible for overall farm operations, budgets, and strategic planning

How much do farm workers earn in Queensland?

Farm workers in Queensland earn wages ranging from $41,226 per year for entry-level positions to over $150,000 for senior management roles. The average farm worker salary in Queensland is $67,158 per year, with hourly rates between $24.78 and $24.89 for general farm hands.

Detailed salary ranges by position include:
- Jackaroo/Jillaroo: $19.82/hour (approximately $41,226/year)
- Entry-level Farm Hand: $20.99/hour
- Experienced Farm Hand: $24.48/hour
- Station Hand: $62,499/year average
- Tractor Operator: $23.95 - $37.00/hour
- Farm Supervisor: $75,000 - $85,000/year
- Farm Manager: $90,000 - $110,000/year
- Agronomist: $85,000 - $105,000/year
- Senior Farm Manager: $105,200 - $118,700/year

Where are the main farming regions in Queensland?

The main farming regions in Queensland are:

  1. Toowoomba ($1.36 billion GVP) - Queensland’s most valuable agricultural region specializing in grains and livestock
  2. Western Downs ($1.11 billion GVP) - Major production area for cotton, grains, and cattle
  3. Bundaberg - Strong horticultural region known for macadamias, avocados, and sugar cane
  4. Lockyer Valley - Fastest growing agricultural region specializing in vegetables and produce
  5. North Queensland (Cairns, Tully, Atherton Tablelands) - Tropical fruit production including bananas and mangoes
  6. Central Coast (Bowen, Ayr, Ingham) - Mixed farming with vegetables, sugar cane, and tropical fruits
  7. Darling Downs (Emerald to Goondiwindi) - Grain and cotton belt
  8. Southeast Queensland (Warwick area) - Stone fruits, grapes, and temperate crops

When is the best time to find seasonal farm work in Queensland?

The best time to find seasonal farm work in Queensland is during the peak harvest season from December to March. However, Queensland offers year-round opportunities with different crops harvesting at various times:

  • December to March: Main harvest period for most crops
  • March to October: Citrus harvesting season
  • May to December: Extended season in regions like Bowen
  • May to November: Tomato peak season in Bowen
  • September to November: Melon harvesting
  • Late December to January: Mango season (3-6 weeks)
  • Year-round: Banana harvesting and various greenhouse operations

What visa options are available for farm work in Queensland?

The visa options available for farm work in Queensland include:

  • Working Holiday Maker Visa (417): Allows travelers aged 18-30 (35 for some countries) to work in agriculture while exploring Australia. Farm work can count towards second-year visa eligibility (88 days requirement)
  • PALM Scheme (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility): Primary pathway for agricultural seasonal workers from Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. Offers short-term jobs (up to 9 months) or long-term roles (1-4 years)
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (491): For skilled agricultural workers nominated by Queensland state government
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482): For specialized agricultural positions where Australian workers are unavailable

Recent changes note that UK Working Holiday Makers no longer need to complete farm work to extend their visa.

How to find farm jobs in Queensland?

To find farm jobs in Queensland, there are 5 steps:

Firstly, register with specialized agricultural recruitment agencies such as Agri Labour Australia, which services livestock, cotton, horticulture, and food processing operations across regional Queensland.

Secondly, utilize online job platforms including Ag Jobs Queensland (official state portal), SEEK’s farming section, Indeed’s agricultural listings, and the Backpacker Job Board for seasonal positions.

Thirdly, obtain relevant certifications like the FarmReady Card, which provides online training and helps prepare documentation for job applications.

Fourthly, contact farms directly in key regions such as Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and Bowen during their harvest seasons, as many farms hire workers on-site.

Fifthly, connect with support services including Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) for free advice and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation for industry connections.

What skills are most in demand for Queensland farm jobs?

The skills most in demand for Queensland farm jobs include:

  • Precision Agriculture Technologies: Proficiency with GPS-guided equipment, drones, and agricultural sensors
  • Data Analysis Capabilities: Ability to interpret soil quality metrics, weather patterns, and yield data
  • Sustainability Expertise: Knowledge of environmental conservation and climate-smart agriculture practices
  • Digital Literacy: Competence with AgTech solutions and farm management software
  • Machinery Operation: Experience with tractors, harvesters, and specialized agricultural equipment
  • Livestock Management: Skills in animal husbandry, health monitoring, and breeding programs
  • Horticultural Knowledge: Understanding of crop cycles, pest management, and irrigation systems
  • Safety Compliance: Current knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations

The sector faces a “near critical skills shortage” with particular demand for workers who combine traditional farming knowledge with modern technological capabilities.

What are the career progression opportunities in Queensland agriculture?

Career progression opportunities in Queensland agriculture follow a clear pathway from entry-level to executive positions. The typical progression includes:

Entry Level (0-3 years): Starting positions such as farm workers ($49,200-$67,158/year) and jackaroos/jillaroos, with opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development.

Mid-Career (4-9 years): Advancement to team leader or supervisor roles ($72,100/year average), assistant manager positions, and specialized technical roles.

Management Level (10+ years): Farm manager positions ($90,000-$105,200/year), senior management roles ($118,700+/year), and agribusiness management opportunities.

Executive Positions: Senior executive roles in large agricultural operations or agribusiness companies (up to $150,000+/year).

Additional pathways include government graduate programs (starting at APS 4 level), TAFE qualifications leading to university degrees, and entrepreneurial opportunities in agricultural consulting or farm ownership.

What training and qualifications are available for Queensland farm careers?

Training and qualifications available for Queensland farm careers include:

  • Certificate II in Rural Operations: Entry-level TAFE qualification providing foundation skills for agricultural work
  • Certificate III in Agriculture: Prepares students for senior farm hand roles with practical skills training
  • Diploma of Agribusiness Management: Advanced qualification for management positions in agricultural enterprises
  • Free TAFE for Under 25s: Queensland Government initiative offering free courses in high-priority agricultural areas
  • Fee-Free TAFE Programs: 14,600 students enrolled in agriculture courses as of December 2023
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Fast-track options for experienced workers to gain formal qualifications
  • University Pathways: Diploma completions can provide up to one year of credit towards agricultural degrees
  • Industry Certifications: Specialized training in chemical application, machinery operation, and workplace safety

TAFE Queensland offers flexible delivery including workplace training, block training, online learning, and mobile training units to accommodate rural and remote students.

What are the working conditions for farm jobs in Queensland?

Working conditions for farm jobs in Queensland are regulated by the Pastoral Award 2020 and Horticulture Award 2020, which ensure minimum standards for all agricultural workers. These awards guarantee:

  • Minimum wage rates: $24.10 per hour national minimum, with most farm workers earning $24.78-$24.89 per hour
  • Penalty rates: Additional pay for overtime, weekend, and public holiday work
  • Leave entitlements: Annual leave, sick leave, and other statutory requirements
  • Maximum hours: Regulated working hours with overtime provisions
  • Accommodation standards: Many farms provide on-site accommodation, particularly for seasonal workers
  • Safety requirements: Compliance with workplace health and safety regulations
  • Equal rights: International workers under PALM scheme have same rights as Australian workers

Working conditions vary by farm type, with horticulture often involving seasonal peaks of 10-12 hour days during harvest, while broadacre and livestock operations typically have more consistent year-round schedules.

What is the future outlook for Queensland farm jobs?

The future outlook for Queensland farm jobs is highly positive with significant growth projections and evolving opportunities. Key indicators include:

Economic Growth: Queensland Government targets $30 billion agricultural output by 2030, representing substantial expansion from the current $23.44 billion.

Employment Projections: Farmworkers rank among the fastest-growing occupations globally with 35 million new jobs expected by 2030. Queensland projects 395,100 new jobs across all industries (13.5% growth).

Technological Transformation: Increasing adoption of AgTech, precision farming, and data analytics creates demand for tech-savvy agricultural professionals.

Workforce Evolution: Shift from traditional farming roles to diverse career pathways including agricultural technology specialists, sustainability consultants, and data analysts.

International Programs: Continued expansion of PALM scheme and international worker programs to address labor shortages.

Industry Investment: 25-year government plan to future-proof primary industries with focus on attracting next-generation workers.

The combination of technological advancement, sustainable farming practices, and strong government support positions Queensland’s agricultural sector for continued growth and diverse career opportunities.