ABOUT THE ROLE 

We currently have a full-time opportunity for a Senior Farm Worker (Specialised) to join our close-knit team. Under general direction, this role performs specialised farming activities including excavation and grader operations, precision planting, air seeder setup and operation, and the management of pivot and lateral irrigation systems.
You will support safe and effective planting, irrigation, harvest, earthworks and machinery operation across Grassdale Farms.
This is a hands-on operational role based across Grassdale Farms, suited to someone who enjoys varied farm work, modern machinery and contributing to practical outcomes in the field.

ABOUT YOU

To succeed in this role you will have the ability to:

• Safely transport, handle, store, prepare and apply chemicals in your primary work area, including chemical compatibility checks, rate checks, drop placement, crop health monitoring and weather monitoring to reduce spray drift risk.
• Operate excavation equipment and graders to support farm earthworks, including paddock preparation, contouring, drainage, irrigation infrastructure works and general farm maintenance.
• Configure and operate precision planting equipment, applying sound farming principles so downforce, depth, seed placement and seed cover suit crop and soil requirements.
• Configure and operate air seeders and related equipment to achieve accurate application rates, effective crop establishment and strong yield outcomes.
• Operate, monitor and troubleshoot pivot and lateral irrigation systems, applying correct watering techniques for volume, direction, rows and timing to support crop requirements.
• Support agricultural operations through crop planning, advice on crop health and rotations, and continuous improvement of irrigation, cropping, earthworks and machinery processes.
• Apply critical thinking and problem solving to select appropriate maintenance and operating settings for on-farm equipment, including planters, seeders, graders, excavators and irrigation systems.
• Understand and apply Variable Rate and other precision agriculture platforms to support efficient operations and improved crop outcomes.

You will have:

• An interest in farming and growing a career in farming.
• A Certificate III in Agriculture (or related field), or equivalent practical experience
• Operational certifications - Grader, Forklift, Excavator or ability/willingness to obtain.
• Substantial experience in irrigation and/or cropping, with advanced capability in one or more specialist areas including excavation, grader operations, precision planting, air seeder operation, pivot and lateral irrigation systems, silage production, dryland cotton, or chemical handling.
• A demonstrated ability to safely set up, calibrate, operate and troubleshoot farm machinery and technology to achieve accurate planting, seeding, irrigation and earthworks outcomes.
• A sound knowledge of crop, soil, water and machinery interactions, including seed depth, downforce, seed cover, application rates, irrigation volume and timing.
• The ability to role model safe work practices and report incidents and hazards and work to proactive safety solutions, having corrective conversations to ensure safe work practices as required.
• The ability to coach, lead and promote behaviour that aligns with company values.
• The ability to create documentation and initiate changes based on the working environment.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, influence stakeholders, coach team members and negotiate positive outcomes across all levels of the business.

WHY WORK WITH US?

Australian owned and operated, we foster a values-driven culture where our people are supported to grow and succeed.
Mort & Co Employee Discounts (Meat, Fuel and Health Insurance).

OTHER INFORMATION TO KNOW

• ChemCert accreditation required.
• While a ‘HC’ class driver’s licence is the minimum required for this role, a ‘MC’ class driver’s licence or willingness to obtain with business backing is preferred.