Assistant Farm Hand

University of Melbourne; Dookie; On-site; AUD 66,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Flexible work arrangements

Career development programs

Parental leave and cultural leave

Health insurance discounts

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for an Assistant Farm Hand at the Dookie Campus. This hands-on, 12-month fixed-term role supports livestock operations, cropping activities and general farm duties to contribute to the university's agricultural teaching and research programs.

You will assist with feeding, weighing, shearing support, machinery use, and record-keeping while working closely with the Farm Hand and Farm Manager. A practical, safety‑minded team player is ideal.

Qualifications

• Experience in basic livestock husbandry tasks such as feeding, weighing and handling animals.
• Knowledge of farm machinery operation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and OH&S guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day operations of livestock enterprises.
• Support routine maintenance and repairs of farm machinery.
• Assist with record management and data entry on farm activities.
• Participate in animal husbandry tasks and follow best practices.

Skills

Livestock husbandry

Farm machinery operation

Team player

Safety compliance

Manual labour

Willing to learn

Job description

Role type: Full time; Fixed Term for 12 months

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department/ School: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

Salary: UOM 2: $66,493 - $69,182 p.a. plus 17% super

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

Join the University of Melbourne's Dookie Campus as an Assistant Farm Hand, where you'll play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the campus's livestock enterprises and assisting with broadacre cropping activities. This hands-on position offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills in livestock husbandry, crop management, and farm operations while contributing to the university's agricultural education and research initiatives.

What you will deliver:

• Livestock Operations: Assist the Farm Hand and Farm Manager with basic day-to-day operations of the livestock enterprises, including feeding animals, managing sheep flocks (weighing, yarding, and shearing), and assisting with the robotic dairy operations and assist with spraying weeds, fence maintenance.
• Farm Maintenance: Assist the Farm Hand with routine maintenance and repairs, ensuring responsible use of farm machinery and equipment.
• Record Management: Assist the Farm Manager with accurate management of farm records.
• Animal Husbandry: Participate in key animal husbandry tasks, adhering to best practices in livestock management.

You may be a great fit you:

• Are a practical and hands-on individual with a keen interest in agriculture, possessing a willingness to learn and contribute to farm operations while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Have experience in basic livestock husbandry tasks, such as feeding, weighing, and handling animals.
• Possess knowledge of farm machinery and equipment operation and maintenance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safe work practices and adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines.
• Exhibit strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Be physically fit and able to perform manual labour tasks as required.
• Possess a willingness to learn and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Be an effective team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as "Academic Women in Leadership", and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

The School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) has a vision of flourishing environments and communities. It brings together diverse discipline strengths to lead the development of new interdisciplinary thinking and high-impact solutions for global challenges relating to climate change, food security, healthy food systems, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, invasive species, and environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices.

The faculty of science is home to seven schools: Agriculture, Food & Ecosystem Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Geography, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics & Statistics; Physics; and Melbourne Veterinary School. Science at Melbourne is a global leader across discovery and applied scientific research and education. Science begins with curiosity, and we are dedicated to understanding the universe from the level of sub-atomic particles to the solar system.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Application essentials

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Nathan Anderson at [e-mail]
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at [e-mail]
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at [e-mail] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Applications close

24 September 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description

JR-018015 - Assistant Farm Hand - PD.docx

JR-018015 - Assistant Farm Hand - PD.pdf