Assistant Farm Manager

Ardmeen Farms Pty Ltd; Shire of West Wimmera; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardmeen Farms Pty Ltd in Western Victoria seeks an Assistant Farm Manager to oversee daily operations of sheep and cattle enterprises. The role involves livestock handling, feeding programs, machinery operation and property maintenance within a supportive team environment.

You will report to the Farm Manager, take initiative, help mentor staff, and contribute to strategic decisions on stock numbers and grass allocations. Lifetime Ewe Management is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience handling cattle and sheep across grazing tasks.
• Willingness to take on manager-level responsibilities and mentor others.
• Ability to assess pastures and stock feed to optimize grass use.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of sheep and cattle enterprises under Farm Manager.
• Perform livestock handling, feeding programs, machinery operation and property maintenance.
• Manage data entry into AgriWebb and use weighing equipment for informed decisions.
• Collaborate with team to ensure safety, animal welfare and efficient operations.
• Support and mentor junior staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Livestock handling

Team leadership

Communication

Pasture assessment

Data entry

Education

Lifetime Ewe Management (preferred)

Tools

AgriWebb

OptiWeigh

Farmbot

Tru Test weighing equipment

Job description

Ardmeen Farms is a mixed sheep and cattle grazing operation, based in the Poolaijelo district of Western Victoria. Producing prime lamb and Angus beef, we pride ourselves on delivering quality; quality meat products, quality animal welfare systems and a quality experience for our team.

Our supportive family farming enterprise is seeking an Assistant Farm Manager who values strong communication, has a solid work ethic and brings a positive and resourceful attitude towards all aspects of our farm, to join our close-knit team.

The Role

Working closely with and reporting to the Farm Manager, you'll be directly involved in the day-to-day running and management of a well-organised and productive sheep and cattle enterprises. From livestock work and feeding programs to machinery operation and general property maintenance, your role will be diverse and hands-on. During peak periods you’ll work confidently with both sheep and cattle, contributing to a smooth, efficient operation.

You’ll need to be someone who takes initiative, pays attention to the small details, demonstrates a desire to take on manager level responsibilities and is comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

What You’ll Bring

Our successful candidate will bring extensive experience in handling cattle and sheep. As a small team, we’re not looking for specialists. Our team needs skills across all aspects of sheep and cattle grazing tasks to cope with our fluctuating seasons. You’ll also:

Be confident in assessing pastures and stock feed requirments to ensure we are making the most out of the grass we grow while also making decisions on grass allocations to each stock class throughout the season. You’ll also make forward recommendations to the Farm Manager on stock number adjustments (this will be a key responsibility of the role).

Demonstrate strong livestock management and handling skills across both sheep and cattle. You’ll have a competent team of your own well-trained working dogs that enable you to work proficiently in both the paddock and yards.

Have an ability to engage and contribute positively, confidently and respectfully within the team. You’ll have good people management skills and be willing to work alongside and help mentor and teach less experienced team members.

Have the general skills to maintain water points, fencing and other farm infrastructure.

By preference have completed a Lifetime Ewe Management course (not essential).

Have a can do attitude and lend your hand to helping get any job done when needed.

Have the flexibility to work additional hours as required to meet our operational requirements.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office. This role will require management of data entry into AgriWebb, utilisation of OptiWeigh, Farmbot and Tru Test weighing equipment to help make informed decisions.

Above all else you will be someone who takes their own safety and those around them seriously and places a high emphasis on strong animal welfare outcomes.

What’s in it for you?

This role offers the chance to work for fair and reasonable employers who value honesty, effort, and good communication. You’ll be joining a team where contribution is recognised, and where mutual respect is the foundation of our daily work.

You can also expect:

A competitive remuneration package, reflective of your skills and experience, inclusive of modern on-farm accommodation, dog food and vet fee allowance and vehicle expenses, negotiated to suit the circumstances of the successful candidate.

Stable, long-term employment for the right person

supportive, approachable employer who values initiative and reliability

Skill development opportunities across livestock, machinery and modern farming practices

The opportunity to work in a welcoming area with a strong sense of community and great local primary and high schools, childcare, sporting clubs and medical facilities for those considering relocation.

Ardmeen Farms are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive working environment and welcome applications from suitably experienced candidates of all backgrounds.

Please Note: only suitable candidates may be contacted