South Australia Farm Jobs
List of 132 Farm Jobs
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132 Agricultural Opportunities Available
Discover harvest, livestock, dairy and specialized agricultural positions across South Australia
Work in South Australia’s premium wine regions and diverse agricultural sectors with positions offering up to $130,000 annually in farm management and specialized roles.
List of 132 Farm Jobs
No jobs match your selected filters.
Farm jobs in South Australia are employment opportunities across the state’s diverse agricultural sectors including wine production, grain farming, livestock management, and horticulture. These positions range from entry-level harvest workers earning $29.50 per hour to specialized roles like farm managers earning up to $130,000 annually, with the sector employing 78,000 full-time equivalent workers and generating $18.5 billion in revenue annually.
The agricultural workforce encompasses seasonal positions during harvest periods, year-round roles in intensive farming operations, and professional positions in agribusiness and agricultural technology. South Australia’s unique position as Australia’s premium wine producer, accounting for 80% of the nation’s premium wine production, creates particularly strong employment opportunities in viticulture and winemaking.
The major agricultural industries hiring in South Australia include:
Each industry offers distinct employment patterns, with grains and livestock providing year-round opportunities while horticulture and viticulture have seasonal peaks requiring additional workers during harvest periods from December to May.
Farm workers in South Australia earn competitive wages that vary significantly by role and experience level. Entry-level positions start at $24.10 per hour (national minimum wage), with casual harvest workers earning at least $29.33 per hour as of July 2024.
Professional agricultural salaries in South Australia include:
Seasonal workers often work on piece rates during harvest, where earnings depend on productivity. Under the Wine Award, piece rates must allow workers of average capacity to earn at least 20% more per hour than the minimum hourly rate. Custom harvest contractors can earn $300-$330 per engine hour including GST.
To find farm jobs in South Australia, there are 6 main channels:
Firstly, use government job platforms like Workforce Australia and Harvest Trail which specifically list agricultural positions with visa sponsorship options.
Secondly, search major job sites including SEEK (4,309 agriculture jobs nationally), Indeed (813 agriculture jobs in SA), and Jora for current openings.
Thirdly, contact specialist agricultural recruiters such as Agri Labour Australia, The Lucas Group, and Drover Ag who place workers in seasonal and permanent roles.
Fourthly, visit the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) website at pir.sa.gov.au for industry information and job opportunities.
Fifthly, apply directly to wineries, farms, and agricultural businesses in key regions like Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Riverland, and Limestone Coast.
Sixthly, join the AgCAREERSTART gap-year program if aged 17-25 for guaranteed placement with training and a $4,500 bursary.
The regions in South Australia offering the most agricultural employment are concentrated in areas with fertile soil, reliable water access, and established infrastructure:
These regions collectively represent the best areas for agriculture and wine production in the state, with the Fleurieu Peninsula, Mid North, and Murray Mallee also providing significant employment opportunities.
Visa sponsorship opportunities for farm workers in South Australia include multiple pathways designed to address critical labor shortages in the agricultural sector:
Many employers offer comprehensive support including relocation assistance, orientation programs, housing or accommodation assistance, and training opportunities. The agricultural sector actively seeks international workers with 48% of SA farms reporting recruitment difficulties (lowest in Australia), creating favorable conditions for visa sponsorship. Regional work in agriculture also provides pathways to permanent residency through various skilled migration programs.
Career pathways in South Australian agriculture offer diverse progression opportunities from entry-level to management positions across multiple sectors:
Entry-Level Progression:
- Start as farm hand, picker, or general laborer ($60,000-$75,000)
- Progress to team leader or supervisor ($77,500-$85,000)
- Advance to farm manager or specialist roles ($90,000-$130,000)
Educational Pathways:
- Certificate II and III in Agriculture through TAFE SA (fee-free options available)
- Certificate IV in Agriculture for supervisory roles
- Diploma of Agriculture for farm management positions
- University degrees in Agricultural Science, Viticulture, or Agribusiness
Specialized Career Tracks:
- Viticulture: Vineyard worker → Technical viticulturist → Vineyard manager → Winemaker
- Agronomy: Field assistant → Agronomist → Senior consultant → Research specialist
- Livestock: Station hand → Stock supervisor → Livestock manager → Operations manager
- Agtech: Data collector → Precision agriculture specialist → Technology consultant
The AgCAREERSTART program provides structured 10-12 month placements with mentoring and training for those aged 17-25, while school-based apprenticeships allow students to begin agricultural careers from Year 10.
Skills shortages in South Australian agriculture reflect both immediate labor needs and longer-term workforce challenges affecting the sector’s sustainability:
Critical Shortages:
- Seasonal harvest workers (34% of horticulture farms reported recruitment difficulties in 2022-23)
- Skilled machinery operators for modern farming equipment
- Agronomists and agricultural consultants
- Viticulturists and winemakers
- Livestock specialists and animal health professionals
Contributing Factors:
- Aging workforce with median farmer age of 56 years (compared to 40 for general workforce)
- 66% decrease in overseas contract workers since 2019-20
- Competition from other sectors for skilled workers
- Need for technology skills as 41% of agricultural roles impacted by technological change
The South Australian government is developing a comprehensive workforce strategy through PIRSA to address these shortages, focusing on attracting underutilized demographics, improving training pathways, and enhancing the sector’s appeal to younger workers. The strategy aims to ensure the sector can meet its ambitious growth targets including the National Farmers’ Federation’s vision of becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.
To get agricultural training in South Australia, there are 5 primary pathways:
Firstly, enroll in TAFE SA’s agriculture programs including Certificate II and III in Rural Operations, Certificate III in Agriculture, and specialized courses in conservation and land management, many available fee-free for eligible students.
Secondly, participate in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships starting from Year 10, combining paid work with formal qualifications while completing your South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
Thirdly, join industry-specific programs like the 8-day Work in Agriculture Skill Set (free for eligible students) designed for immediate job readiness in entry-level positions.
Fourthly, apply for the AgCAREERSTART gap-year program (ages 17-25) offering 10-12 months paid work with host farmers plus a $4,500 Training and Engagement Bursary.
Fifthly, pursue university pathways through agricultural science, viticulture, or agribusiness degrees with credit arrangements available from TAFE qualifications.
Training typically combines practical on-farm experience with formal education, lasting 12-24 months for traineeships or 36-48 months for apprenticeships, with wages paid throughout.
The future outlook for farm jobs in South Australia presents both opportunities and challenges as the sector undergoes significant transformation toward 2030:
Growth Opportunities:
- National target of $100 billion agricultural industry by 2030 requiring expanded workforce
- Technology adoption creating new skilled positions rather than job losses
- For every dollar earned on-farm, regional economies gain $2.80 through related industries
- Strong export markets with agriculture contributing 51% of SA’s merchandise exports
Workforce Projections:
- Total Australian employment projected to grow 6.6% over next 5 years
- Agricultural employment expected to stabilize after recent declines
- Increased reliance on PALM workers (50% increase from 2019-20 to 2021-22)
- Growing demand for workers with technology and data analysis skills
Strategic Initiatives:
- PIRSA developing comprehensive workforce strategy for implementation in 2025-26
- Investment in training programs including fee-free TAFE and AgCAREERSTART
- Focus on attracting diverse demographics including women and younger workers
- Enhanced visa pathways addressing critical labor shortages
Despite challenges from climate variability and aging workforce, South Australian agriculture offers strong career prospects with competitive salaries, clear progression pathways, and government support for workforce development.