Assistant Farm Manager - Orchard Operations & Harvest Lead

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

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.