2026-27 - Forklift Driver

**WE ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN START WORK IN NOVEMBER**

We are currently recruiting experienced Forklift Drivers to join our team in our Packhouse and on our Orchards for our harvest which runs from November to January.

Depending on the location of the role, key tasks include moving fruit bins, packaging material and other items as necessary, loading and unloading trucks in a safe and efficient manner.

A day in the life of a Forklift Driver

• Stacking/unstacking fruit bins in cool rooms
  
• Supply production line with product - Loading fruit bins onto the grader
• Moving packed pallets of fruit and packaging
• Loading/Unloading fruit trailers
• Loading/Unloading trucks
• Follow all safety procedures
• Maintain a clean/clear work area
• Keep records of bins brought in and weights from bins taken out
• Perform daily forklift inspections in an accurate and effective manner
• Depending on the location, some forklift roles will require you to use a PDA machine

About you

To be successful in this role you will be required to have the following:

• Must have a current forklift licence
• Must have knowledge of using a forklift in a safe and secure manner
• Understand all functions of the forklift and be able to inspect the lift before a workday
• Be able to move empty/full bins, material to designated areas
• Maintain attention to detail, and successfully work within deadlines
• Ability count, multitask and communicate well with others
• Ability to drive in confined areas
• Have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be experienced, ideally in a warehouse/distribution role
• Be able to stack pallets and fruit bins up to 4.3 metres high
• Capable of performing repetitive functions paying attention to detail
• Flexible to work up to 6 days (shift hours will vary)

Physical requirements

• Sitting, twisting, leg/foot use, pushing/pulling
• Occasional standing/walking, crouching, stooping, reaching
• Rarely climbing or lifting/carrying
• Senses: Speaking, hearing, sight (near, far, colour), smell

Environmental factors

Work area may be all over the Packhouse (pack line, loading docks, and inside/outside cool rooms), or on the Orchards. Areas are well ventilated and can be subject to weather conditions, with moderate to high noise levels.

Safety factors & Safety Equipment

Majority of work is performed inside cold temperature rooms. Hazards encountered include pedestrians and other forklifts. The following safety equipment is required to be worn at all times:

• Safety Work Footwear
• Proper Clothing - Hi-Vis Vest provided
• Seat Belt

PPE/Food Safety Compliance:

Staff are required to wear safety shoes (reinforced toe), no jewellery with stones and short, unpolished nails.

Please note that a resume and cover letter is optional for this role.

Important Information for Applicants

Koala Cherries employ seasonal staff from November to January.  Starting dates and hours are staggered due to crop maturity and vary from day to day especially at the beginning of harvest. Hours are dependent on volumes of cherries to be picked and sorted. A roster system is designed for Packhouse staff to ensure staff work 6 days a week if requested (by you).  We are flexible as to the number of days, however a commitment of a minimum of 2 days is required.  Staff are required to work the full shift and longer hours are usually required in the lead up to Christmas - you must be available to work if rostered over this period.  We prefer our employees to stay for the entire cherry season. 

(Please note that these dates are subject to weather conditions and other factors).

General Information - Packhouse

The Koala Cherries Packhouse is located in Yarck, a small rural town approx. 150km north-east of Melbourne.  It is located 14km from the main township of Alexandra and 21 kms from Yea.  Both towns have a supermarket, petrol stations, library, takeaway food, cafes, pubs and various other shops.  

General Information – Orchards

Koala Cherries has twelve orchards located in Alexandra, Yarck, Boho and Cobram.

Transportation

There is no public transport available in any of our locations - you must be able to provide your own transportation to your workplace. 

Right to Work in Australia

Employees that are not Australian citizens must meet the requirements of the Department of Immigration and must obtain a valid working visa.  You will be required to provide us with Passport/Visa when completing your employment information online.  We will check that your Visa is valid with the Department of Immigration.

Time worked at Koala Cherries can go towards your application for the second or third WHM visa.

Wages

Wages are paid weekly into your nominated bank account and the applicable Tax is deducted, and Superannuation contributions paid. Our rates are above award and in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement. We do not pay penalty rates for work undertaken on Public Holidays during our Production (Harvest) Period.

Training

If your application is successful, you are required to complete an online induction before commencing employment and an onsite induction on your first day of employment.

Accommodation

Koala Cherries does not provide any accommodation, so you will be required to find your own. We do have a list of local accommodation options that you can request to be emailed to you.