Tasmania Farm Jobs
List of 35 Farm Jobs
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35 Agricultural Opportunities Available
Discover harvest, livestock, dairy and specialized agricultural positions across Tasmania
Experience Tasmania’s sustainable agriculture sector with opportunities in premium produce, dairy, and aquaculture, supported by strong government investment and growth targets.
List of 35 Farm Jobs
No jobs match your selected filters.
Tasmania’s agricultural employment situation is a thriving sector that employs approximately 14,500 people across sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, making it the second-highest employment industry in the state. The sector contributes 15.8% to Tasmania’s Gross State Product and has experienced the smallest decline in agricultural labor use (only 6%) compared to other Australian states during 2019-2022. With strong government support including $800,000 for farm-based education programs and ambitious growth targets to reach $10 billion farm gate value by 2050, Tasmania’s agricultural sector offers significant opportunities despite facing an aging workforce with a median farmer age of 56 years.
The types of farm jobs available in Tasmania include:
To find farm jobs in Tasmania, there are 5 steps:
Firstly, check specialized recruitment agencies like Agri Labour Australia, which focuses specifically on Tasmania’s commercial farms and harvesting operations, or Backpacker Job Board for seasonal positions.
Secondly, search major job platforms where current listings show 296 farm jobs on Jora, opportunities on SEEK, and 44 agricultural positions on Adzuna as of January 2025.
Thirdly, contact farms directly during peak harvest seasons, using phone calls rather than emails for better response rates, particularly in regions like North West Coast from Smithton to Deloraine.
Fourthly, monitor specific employer websites including major companies like Tassal (salmon farming), Simplot (vegetable processing in Devonport), Fonterra and Saputo (dairy processing).
Fifthly, utilize social media channels, particularly Facebook pages of recruitment agencies and farming organizations, which frequently post immediate openings for harvest work and ongoing positions.
The salary ranges for farm workers in Tasmania vary significantly by role and experience level. Entry-level farm workers earn between $19.19 to $29.82 per hour, with the average at $24.78 per hour and casual workers receiving $29.33 per hour including the 25% loading. Dairy sector positions range from $66,250 annually for farm hands to $74,185 for herd managers, while machinery operators like tractor drivers average $65,000 per year in Tasmania. Professional agricultural roles command higher salaries, with agronomists earning an average of $101,800 annually, horticulturists at $99,000, and specialized positions like plant pathologists reaching $116,000 per year. All positions received a 3.75% wage increase in July 2024, with further award changes scheduled for April 2025.
The visa requirements for farm work in Tasmania are particularly favorable as the entire state is classified as regional Australia, making all areas eligible for completing the 88-day requirement for Working Holiday visa extensions. Visa 417 holders can work in agriculture, cultivation, processing, forestry, fishing, mining, and construction, while Visa 462 holders have additional eligibility for tourism and hospitality work in remote postcodes (7001, 7139, 7255-7257, 7466-7470). Workers must complete 88 days of specified work within 12 months for a second-year visa, with days being either consecutive or non-consecutive, and an additional 6 months required for a third-year visa. Essential documentation includes payslips, bank statements, and employer letters, with all work required to comply with Australian awards and the minimum wage of $24.10 per hour.
The biggest agricultural employers in Tasmania are:
Tassal - Tasmania’s largest Atlantic salmon producer employing over 1,000 people in Tasmania (1,712 total employees as of 2021), operating salmon farming operations and processing facilities
Simplot - Major vegetable processor employing over 300 people annually at their Devonport frozen vegetable manufacturing plant, producing for Birds Eye and Edgell brands, with additional harvesting operations in Wesley Vale
Fonterra - The largest raw milk buyer in Tasmania operating major dairy processing facilities, though specific employment numbers are not publicly disclosed
Saputo - The second-largest raw milk buyer operating a processing plant in Smithton producing bulk milk powder, butter, and cream
Various Dairy Corporates - Multiple multinational and family-run dairy processors throughout Northern Tasmania providing year-round employment
Specialty Producers - Including Tasmanian Agricultural Company (TasAgCo), Tasmanian Oyster Co., and The Raspberry Farm offering specialized agricultural positions
The employment outlook for Tasmania’s agricultural sector is highly positive with ambitious growth targets and significant job creation projected. The sector aims to quadruple its farm gate value from the current $2.46 billion to $10 billion by 2050, with the FermenTasmania facility alone expected to create 650 direct and indirect jobs by 2030. Current growth indicators show a 5% increase in gross value of agricultural production in 2022-23, with the wine sector forecast to become the state’s most significant economic driver over the next 10-15 years. The government is actively addressing workforce challenges through initiatives including the Young Farmer Support Package offering loans up to $250,000, a $400,000 Veterinarian Attraction Package, and programs to reduce regulatory barriers for on-farm accommodation. Despite an aging workforce (median farmer age of 56), the labor shortage creates substantial opportunities for career advancement and new entrants to the industry.
To complete 88 days for visa extension in Tasmania, there are 6 steps:
Firstly, understand that all of Tasmania qualifies as regional Australia, meaning you can complete your 88 days anywhere in the state in eligible industries.
Secondly, choose eligible work types based on your visa - for Visa 417: agriculture, cultivation, processing, forestry, fishing, mining, or construction; for Visa 462: all the above plus tourism and hospitality in specified remote postcodes.
Thirdly, find positions through specialized agencies like Agri Labour Australia or by contacting farms directly during peak seasons (December-April for fruit, year-round for dairy).
Fourthly, ensure all work is paid according to Australian awards with the minimum wage of $24.10 per hour and keep detailed records of every day worked.
Fifthly, collect and organize documentation including payslips showing dates and hours worked, bank statements showing wage deposits, and employer letters confirming your employment periods.
Sixthly, complete your 88 days within a 12-month period (days can be consecutive or non-consecutive) and apply for your visa extension with all supporting documentation through the Department of Home Affairs.
The seasonal work patterns in Tasmania agriculture follow distinct cycles throughout the year. Peak labor demand occurs in January, particularly for horticulture, with vegetable harvesting experiencing highest demand from January to June. Fruit seasons vary by crop: cherries require workers from early December to late January, berries peak from December to April, apples begin harvesting in March and continue through autumn, while grapes follow their own seasonal pattern. Dairy farming provides year-round employment opportunities due to Tasmania’s favorable climate allowing continuous grazing. The state’s counter-seasonal advantage to the northern hemisphere creates export opportunities that influence harvest timing, particularly for crops destined for international markets. Tasmania experiences 40% of its agricultural workers being paid piece rates, the highest percentage among Australian states, reflecting the seasonal nature of much agricultural work.
The qualifications needed for professional farm jobs in Tasmania vary by role but generally require tertiary education and specialized training. Agronomists typically need a Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, agronomy, or related fields, with positions averaging $101,800 annually and ranging from $71,362 to $123,687 based on experience. Horticulturists require degrees in horticulture or plant science, commanding average salaries of $99,000, while specialized roles like plant pathologists ($116,000) and soil scientists ($104,000) often need postgraduate qualifications. Farm managers increasingly require diplomas or degrees in agriculture combined with practical experience, particularly for positions with major employers like Tassal or Simplot. The state government supports qualification development through $800,000 in farm-based education programs and partnerships with institutions like the University of Tasmania’s Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, which received $6.4 million to support cool climate horticulture research and training.