Assistant Farm Manager – Orchard Operations & Harvest

Blackbook Recruitment; Swan Hill; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackbook Recruitment seeks an experienced Assistant Farm Manager for our client in Swan Hill, Australia. The role focuses on safe day-to-day farm operations, leading a high-performing team, and implementing weekly and annual horticultural programs to optimise crop growth and production.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will ensure budgets, QA/QC compliance, and efficient use of inputs while maintaining safety standards and operational excellence during peak periods such as harvest.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in farming operations, preferably in 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.
• Current Australian Driver Licence.
• Ability to work flexibly during peak operational periods, including harvest.
• Commitment to workplace safety, continuous improvement, and achieving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Support QA and QC systems and procedures.
• Monitor orchard conditions and identify issues affecting tree health or productivity; implement horticultural practices.
• Identify and report irrigation or drainage issues with the Irrigation Manager.
• Coordinate machinery operations; ensure preventative maintenance schedules are followed and equipment is safe.
• Assess machinery operators for competency and training compliance.
• Work with Maintenance Manager to keep machinery, vehicles and plant safe and reliable.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing harvest activities for timely completion.
• Act in the Farm Manager’s role during periods of leave or absence, coordinating daily operations and supervising staff.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Farming practices

Literacy & numeracy

Machinery operation

Tools

Agricultural machinery

Job description

Blackbook Recruitment seeks an experienced Assistant Farm Manager for our client in Swan Hill, Australia. The role focuses on safe day-to-day farm operations, leading a high-performing team, and implementing weekly and annual horticultural programs to optimise crop growth and production.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will ensure budgets, QA/QC compliance, and efficient use of inputs while maintaining safety standards and operational excellence during peak periods such as harvest.