FAQs for Applicants:
What is Farm Army?
The Farm Army is a job posting platform for farmers and workers or volunteers. Farmers can post a variety of jobs on a volunteer or paid basis. They can also offer positions on a contra basis, where applicants work in exchange for meals and/or accommodation. Rural Aid provides the platform where farmers list jobs, but is not involved in the applicant selection process.
What type of jobs are posted on the Farm Army?
A variety of jobs can be posted by farmers depending on the tasks they need assistance with. Popular jobs include farm sitting, farm hands, general labourers, gardeners and fruit pickers.
Does Rural Aid provide insurance?
Rural Aid does not provide insurance. Rural Aid has no involvement beyond providing a platform for a job to be advertised. All requirements for the job, including insurance, must be provided by the farmer.
Do I need to provide materials for the jobs I apply for?
No, any required materials must be provided for by the farmer.
Why am I not getting a response from the farmer?
Farmers don’t work 9-5 so they may not have time to frequently check their emails for your application. Often farmers have poor reception and accessing the internet may not be easy. Please be patient. But if you experience delays longer than a week, feel free to contact us and we can follow up with the farmer on your behalf.
Can I contact the farmer directly?
We are conscious of privacy, so farmer contact information isn’t available on the job posting. Click the apply button and submit any questions you may have. Your questions and contact information will be sent directly to the farmer, who can then contact you.
I don’t have any trade experience, can I still volunteer or apply for positions?
Yes, there are many types of jobs available that don’t require skilled labour, so we encourage you to have a look through available jobs. Some farmers just need an able-bodied person with a can-do attitude to lend them a hand- no skills required!
Does Covid-19 impact the jobs I can apply for?
Rural Aid recommends that you check any restrictions relating to travel before applying for a position. Do not visit a rural community if you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 14 days, have come into contact with someone who’s tested positive in the past 14 days, or if you’ve spent time in a hotspot in the past 14 days.
Can I travel with a partner or friend?
Yes, farmers are often looking for more than one person to assist them. Usually this is listed in the position description but make sure to let the farmer know of your situation when you apply.
Can I travel with a dog?
Some farmers will allow pets on their property; however, this is not guaranteed. Always check with the farmer and let them know you are travelling with a dog when you apply.
Do I need my own accommodation?
Accommodation may be provided by the farmer and this will be stated in the job description. If you require accommodation, make sure to check with the farmer to see if it’s available when you apply.
Are there other volunteering activities Rural Aid offers?
Yes, Rural Aid welcomes volunteers to participate in its Our Towns program where volunteers work on a mix of farm and community projects.
FAQs for Farmers:
What is Farm Army?
The Farm Army is a job posting platform for farmers and workers or volunteers. Farmers can post a variety of jobs on a volunteer or paid basis. They can also offer positions on a contra basis, where applicants work in exchange for meals and/or accommodation. Rural Aid provides the platform where farmers list jobs, but is not involved in the applicant selection process.
How do I use the Farm Army website?
Does Rural Aid have any involvement in selecting an applicant?
No, farmers have full control over who is selected for the position they have advertised.
Does Rural Aid provide insurance?
Rural Aid does not provide insurance. Rural Aid has no involvement beyond providing a platform for a job to be advertised. All requirements for the job, including insurance, must be provided by the farmer.
Do I have to pay the applicant?
Positions can be posted on a volunteer, paid or contra basis (labour in return for accommodation and/or meals).
Do I have to provide accommodation for the applicant?
This is up to the farmer and is dependent on what they have the capacity to offer. It’s common, in cases where accommodation can’t be provided, to offer power and water for an applicant’s motor home.
Why is no one applying for my job?
This could be due to a number of reasons:
- Your job description isn’t clear enough and not enough detail has been provided about the position
- The type of work required is very complex and requires qualified tradespeople, so the number of people who could fill the position is limited
- Job timing- it may be that people aren’t travelling to your area at the time
I am unsure how long I need the position filled for, can I leave it open?
Yes, please make sure to state that you are flexible with dates in your job description.
How many volunteers subscribe to the Farm Army?
Rural Aid receives new subscribers to the Farm Army every day. We currently have over 10,000 and counting. This doesn’t include the people visiting our site to check out the jobs listed.
Is there any other assistance available to me as a farmer?
Yes, if you are a primary producer and you aren’t already registered with Rural Aid, you may be eligible for further assistance. We encourage farmers to register which can be done by clicking here or by calling 1300 327 624
Can I post multiple jobs?
Yes, you can create multiple jobs on the one profile.
How are applications for my job received?
You will be sent an email with the applicant’s details. Be sure to check your junk email as they sometimes end up there.