2026-27 - Grader Operator

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

At Koala Cherries, we take pride in delivering the highest quality cherries to our customers. As a leader in the cherry industry, we are dedicated to innovation and sustainability. We’re currently looking for staff who have good software skills to join our harvest. 

Our core purpose is to delight cherry consumers worldwide!

Grader Software Operators are required to run our software programs on our two cherry graders. Key responsibilities include:

• Updating excel spreadsheets to convey information to the packing floor
• Assisting line supervisors with logistics and fruit management via the optical grading software
• Liasing with the Quality Control team regarding fruit quality
• Adjusting optical grading systems to keep packed products within quality and sizing specifications
• Monitoring mechanical grading systems for blockages and inefficiencies
• Managing the delivery of cherries down the Packing Lines
• Adhere to safety and hygiene standards in all operations

To succeed in this role you require:

• Excellent computer skills (advanced Excel)
• Great communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• IT/Programming knowledge (would be advantageous)
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience with any fresh produce grading software is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided to successful applicants

Physical requirements:

• Standing / walking, crouching, stooping, twisting, balancing, reaching, overhead extension, handling, pushing/pulling pallets of fruit, lifting carrying (11kg)
• Long hours of standing in one position.
• Senses: Speaking, hearing, sight (far, near, colour).

  
  

Environmental factors:

Work is performed in a Packhouse. Room is well ventilated with moderate noise, good lighting, moderate paper dust, and cool temperature

Safety Factors:

Hazards encountered include lifting packed boxes, roller belt, cool temperature, forklift traffic

PPE/Food Safety Compliance:

Staff working in the Packhouse 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.