Field Crop Farm Worker
841213 · Heavy Next-day readyDescription
Performs routine tasks on a grain, oilseed, or pasture farm such as cultivating and fertilising soil, and planting and irrigating crops. May spray chemicals on crops to treat disease and pests.
Typical work tasks
- Plants seeds, seedlings, roots, bulbs, vines and other plants using hand tools and farm machines; builds trellises for climbing vegetables and vines; operates farm machines to cultivate, fertilise, spray and harvest vegetables and other field crops; sprays plants, crops and pastures with chemicals to control weed growth, insects, fungus growth and diseases; thins, weeds and hoes row crops and vines; irrigates land for crop growth; selects and harvests crops according to size and ripeness, and discards rotting and over-ripened produce; grades, sorts, bunches and packs produce into containers and loads onto trucks.
Typical work environment
- Works outside in growing fields, in most weather conditions other than when in the packing shed.
- Frequently works in dirty, wet or hot and dusty conditions depending upon the season, weather and growing conditions.
- The use of horticultural pesticides and fertilisers is likely to be frequent (unless there is an organic orientation) and may irritate the skin and aggravate breathing problems such as asthma or hay-fever. Protective clothing and breathing apparatus should be utilised.
- Long days may be worked when weather or crop conditions are favourable.
Typical physical and mental demands
- Medium to heavy physical demand
- Stands and walks frequently unless driving machinery.
- Stretching up or across is likely on an occasional to frequent basis.
- Occasionally to frequently squats or crouches and kneels.
- Twisting of the body or neck is likely if operating tractors and towing equipment.
- Bends frequently for some activities.
- Heavy lifting and carrying of bags of fertiliser, seeds and harvested crops including bales of hay, is likely to be occasional, but may occur for prolonged periods at times such as harvesting.
- Repetitive movements are likely for some activities if manual handling occurs.
- Driving and operation of machinery such as tractors is likely to be frequent.
- Hand tools both manual and mechanical are likely to be used constantly.
- Mental skills necessary include practical, planning and mechanical skills.
Entry signal Reviewed
No formal entry barrier — can start without prior training. A licence may be required for some roles or employers. Flagged next-day ready.
Entry barrier No formal entry barrier
Licence / registration Licence may be required
ANZSCO skill level 5
Next-day ready Yes
How this was determined (model-generated): Field crop farm worker entry is Nil; tractor driver licence is incidental/advantageous, not a core requirement.
Entry Requirements
- Nil (ANZSCO Skill Level 5). A Class 1 Driver Licence holder can operate a tractor with a Gross Laden Weight (GLW) of more than 4500kg but less than 18000kg if driven at a speed not exceeding 30km/h.
Further Comments
- There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.