Are Australians lazy? That’s the question their recruitment agencies ask each year, as thousands of travelers fill jobs that nationals don’t want. It’s even been said that backpackers keep the economy going. Such easy employment is one of many reasons to take your working holiday visa here.
However, this doesn’t mean you’ll land your dream job on the first day. Applicants must be open to new experiences and willing to alter their expectations. If you’re planning to live and work abroad, these are the most common types of working holiday jobs in Australia:
Fruit Picker – The seasonal fruit picker follows the harvest: from Queensland’s oranges to South Australia’s potatoes. Because many countries have established a second-year visa program for backpackers complete regional farm work, most pickers are involuntary employees. But depending on the wage system – paid by hour or total output – this can be one of the highest-paid temporary jobs. Accommodation is often organized and subsidized, with jobs on offer the same day you apply. Jobs are paid by the hour or by the bushel.
Cafe Barista – Melbourne’s reverence for the perfect espresso has developed into an internationally respected coffee culture. If you can make a cappuccino and know your way around a milk steamer, consider yourself cafe royalty. Shifts tend to run from early morning to late afternoon, giving you evenings off. And think of all that free caffeine…
Call Center Service Representative – Though not as glamorous or iconic as other working holiday jobs in Australia, the cities are full of call center vacancies. The level of your placement, whether in a corporate customer service department or in a backpacker’s casual recruitment branch, depends less on previous experience and more on confidence. It’s all about making sales and meeting targets here; employees typically earn a base wage, plus commission.
Outback Barmaid – Cheap accommodation and meals, award wages and a close acquaintance with the real Australia; only downside? Living in the “wop wops,” as the locals say. Two-day weekends are rare, but with so few things in the neighborhood to distract you (or to spend your money on), earnings will accumulate quicker than you can count. Females are preferred for these roles, though this shouldn’t stop men from applying.
All-Rounder – Take an outback barmaid/man, add a room attendant, throw in a groundskeeper, move them to Western Australia and you’ve created the all-rounder. Due to the state’s vast spaces, towns may be four or five hours apart. In between, isolated roadhouses cater to drivers by providing gas, a hotel bed, restaurant and bar. Small teams of staff are responsible for all aspects of the business, making these positions perfect for the multi-tasker.
Station Hand – Like the all-rounder gig, working as a station hand means being a jack-of-all-trades. Living and working on a remote cattle station requires a can-do attitude toward tasks such as herding cows, mending fences, branding calves, checking water supplies, cooking and even babysitting the station owner’s children. General farm knowledge and an understanding of heavy equipment comes in handy.
Kitchen Hand/Chef – Not many working holiday makers have cooking experience, so these roles pay very well, and employers will meet your special requests in order to put a head under their chef hats. Don’t expect a complicated menu, as most roadhouses and outback hotels server burgers, fries, and the classic chicken parmigiana. If you have spent time in a starred kitchen, look for a job at one of the country’s exclusive luxury lodges.
Tourism Host/Guide/Server – Not everyone is lucky enough to live and work abroad in Australia. Many people are only able to visit, turning tourism into a multi-billion dollar industry. Jobs within this field can be found as customer service reps and hosts at museums, zoos and travel centers, outdoor adventure companies, bus and boat tours, and almost all other types of tourist venues and activities.
Ready to work and volunteer your way around the world? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and RSS/email. Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli