Nut Grower

A nut grower manages the cultivation, harvest, and initial processing of nut crops such as macadamia, almond, pecan, or walnut on agricultural land in Australia. The role involves overseeing all aspects of crop production from soil preparation and tree management through to harvest logistics, whilst maintaining compliance with agricultural regulations and sustainable farming practices.

Plan and manage annual crop calendars including planting, pruning, irrigation scheduling, and harvest timelines for nut trees. Monitor soil health, nutrient levels, and pH balance, and organise soil testing and amendment applications to optimise tree productivity. Supervise irrigation system operation and maintenance, including drip lines, pumps, and water allocation compliance with state water authorities. Scout orchards for pest infestations, disease symptoms, and nutritional deficiencies, and arrange chemical or organic treatment programmes in consultation with agronomists. Manage tree pruning, canopy shaping, and winter chill hour requirements to maximise yield and fruit quality. Coordinate harvest operations including timing decisions, engagement of seasonal labour or harvest contractors, and operation of mechanical harvesters or shakers. Organise post-harvest handling including drying, hulling, sorting, and grading of nuts to meet market standards and buyer specifications. Maintain compliance with food safety standards (e.g. FSANZ requirements), chemical residue limits, and organic certification where applicable.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You're betting your income on weather, water availability, and commodity prices you can't control. A drought or failed harvest can wipe out a year's profit. You'll also need significant capital to buy or lease land and equipment upfront, and trees take 3 to 5 years to produce decent yields. Seasonal labour shortages during harvest are getting worse.

Remote work isn't an option: you're on-site managing trees, water systems, and labour year-round.

• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
• Goal Setting and Planningcore
• Inventory Trackingcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Supplier Communicationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Carry out work related calculations in agriculture
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Delivery Scheduling
• Invoicing and Billing Administration
• Negotiation
• Process Improvement Identification
• Research and Analysis
• Stock Counting and Stocktake
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026