Crop Scout/Machine Operator

Rugby Farm; Gatton; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Job summary

The Rugby Farming Group in Lockyer Valley, Queensland is seeking a dedicated Crop Scout & Machine Operator to monitor crop health, maintain machinery, and support data‑driven decisions that optimize yield and sustainability. The role involves fieldwork across vegetable crops and travel to other sites as needed.

Reporting to the Senior Agronomist as part ofProduction Team, you will work independently in the field with a safety-first mindset and contribute to a collaborative farming operation

Qualifications

• Experience in crop scouting, agronomy, or related agricultural fieldwork would be an advantage.
• Competence in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail—able to spot small changes in crop health.
• A proactive, safety-first mindset and the ability to work independently in the field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular crop scouting to identify pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and other agronomic issues.
• Record and report field observations using digital tools to support timely agronomic decisions.
• Operate and maintain a range of modern agricultural machinery, including tractors and sprayers while using GPS-guided spraying.
• Work closely with agronomists and farm managers to implement crop protection and nutrition programs.
• Perform stock take of chemicals and routine machinery checks to minimise downtime.

Skills

Crop scouting

Machinery operation

Attention to detail

Tools

GPS-guided spraying

Job description

The Rugby Farming Group is a large Australian farming operation, growing, packing and transporting fresh vegetables to both domestic and export markets.We are committed to producing high-quality vegetables while maintaining environmental stewardship and supporting our local community.

The Role

As our Crop Scout & Machine Operator, you’ll be the eyes and hands in the field—spotting early signs of crop health issues, ensuring machinery runs at peak performance, and helping us make data-driven decisions that directly impact yield, quality, and sustainability. Your work will help us protect crops before problems spread, optimise harvest efficiency, and keep our operations running smoothly.

The ideal candidate will have a strong worth ethic with a background in agronomy an advantage. The focus will be on vegetable crops.

Reporting to the Senior Agronomist, will play an integral part of the Production Team and will be based in the Lockyer Valley. The successful applicant will be required to travel to other sites.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct regular crop scouting to identify pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and other agronomic issues.

Record and report field observations using digital tools to support timely agronomic decisions.

Operate and maintain a range of modern agricultural machinery, including tractors and sprayers while using GPS-guided spraying.

Work closely with agronomists and farm managers to implement crop protection and nutrition programs.

Perform stock take of chemicals and routine machinery checks to minimise downtime.

Qualifications:

Experience in crop scouting, agronomy, or related agricultural fieldwork would be an advantage.

Competence in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery.

Strong observational skills and attention to detail—able to spot small changes in crop health.

A proactive, safety-first mindset and the ability to work independently in the field.

Competitive salary package.

A supportive and collaborative work environment.

The chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainable agriculture.

A current manual drivers licence is essential and a Chemcert or commitmentto obtain the certificate is also required.

This is a challenging, hands-on roleand will suit a highly motivated person who is comfortable working under pressure and confident in decision making in a team environment.