Assistant Farm Manager

Blackbook Recruitment; Swan Hill; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackbook Recruitment is seeking an experienced Assistant Farm Manager based in Swan Hill to lead day-to-day operations on a productive orchard. You will manage a small team, implement horticultural programs, ensure safety, and work within budgets to maximise crop health and yield.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will monitor QA/QC, oversee machinery, coordinate harvests, and support continuous improvement across farm operations during peak periods.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in farming operations.
• Sound understanding of modern horticultural production systems.
• Good literacy, numeracy and record-keeping abilities.
• Competent in safe operation of agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Current Australian Driver Licence.
• Ability to work flexibly during harvest.
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the farm.
• Lead a high-performing team and implement weekly/annual horticultural programs.
• Ensure inputs, resources and activities align with budgets and procedures.
• Monitor orchard conditions and optimise tree health and productivity.
• Identify and report irrigation or drainage issues and work with the Irrigation Manager to fix them.
• Coordinate machinery operations and ensure preventative maintenance is followed.
• Assess machinery operators for competency and training compliance.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager to keep equipment in safe, reliable condition.
• Assist with harvest planning, coordination and execution.
• Act in the Farm Manager's role during leave or absence.

Skills

Farming operations experience

Horticultural knowledge

Literacy & numeracy

Tools

Agricultural machinery

Job description

Leading agricultural organisation is seeking an experience Assistant Farm Manager based in Swan Hill.

The Company

An industry-leading agricultural organisation is seeking an experienced Assistant Farm Manager to join the team based in Swan Hill. This is a critical role responsible for the safe day-to-day operation of the farm, leading and managing a high-performing team, and implementing weekly and annual horticultural programs to maximise plant growth and production.

The Role

The Assistant Farm Manager is responsible for supporting the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the farm. The role assists in leading a high-performing team, implementing weekly and annual horticultural programs, and achieving optimum crop growth, productivity, and quality outcomes. The position also ensures farm inputs, resources, and activities are managed in accordance with approved budgets, company policies, and operational procedures.

Reporting into the Farm Manager, the responsibilities of the role includes:

• Support the implementation and ongoing compliance with Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) systems and procedures.
• Monitor orchard conditions, identify issues affecting tree health or productivity, and implement appropriate horticultural practices to optimise performance.
• Identify and report irrigation or drainage issues, including wet areas, and work with the Irrigation Manager to implement effective corrective actions.
• Coordinate machinery operations, ensuring preventative maintenance schedules are followed and equipment is operated safely and efficiently.
• Assess machinery operators to ensure competency and compliance with training requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Maintenance Manager to ensure all machinery, vehicles, and plant are maintained in a safe and reliable condition to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of harvest activities to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Act in the Farm Manager's role during periods of leave or absence, including coordinating daily operations and supervising farm staff.

Your Background

In order to be successful in this role, you will have:

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in farming operations, preferably within orchards, tree nut production, or other perennial horticultural enterprises.
• Sound understanding of modern horticultural production systems and farming practices.
• Good literacy, numeracy, and record-keeping abilities.
• Competent in the safe operation of agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Current Australian Driver Licence.
• Ability to work flexibly during peak operational periods, including harvest.
• Commitment to workplace safety, continuous improvement, and achieving operational excellence.