Farm Assistant (Wollongbar)

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Wollongbar; On-site; AUD 63,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on farm with subsidised租

9-day fortnight

Health & wellbeing programs

Job summary

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking a Farm Assistant at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute. You will work with the Farm Manager to perform hands-on farming tasks across crops, pasture, horticulture and livestock, helping maintain trials and farm assets.

You will operate tractors, carry out equipment maintenance, and record stock and chemical data, contributing to a well-run research farm with accommodation on-site and a 9-day fortnight.

Qualifications

• Livestock handling, animal husbandry or orchard operations.
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm equipment.
• Fencing, grounds maintenance and farm infrastructure repairs.
• Recording stock, chemical, machinery and operational data accurately.
• Pre-employment health assessment is required as part of the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

• Undertake practical farming tasks across crops, pasture, horticulture and livestock.
• Maintain research trials, farm assets, machinery and infrastructure.
• Operate tractors and equipment, assist with livestock management and data recording.

Skills

Livestock handling

Tractor operation

Fencing

Data recording

Education

Chemical accreditation AQF 3

Forklift licence

Job description

• Temporary Full Time up to 2 years
• Location: Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute
• Operational Staff Grade 1 salary from $62,940 to $69,361 per annum (FTE) plus super

Accommodation available on farm with subsidised rent

About the Role

As a Farm Assistant, you will work closely with the Farm Manager and broader farm team to undertake a variety of operational farming activities across crops, pasture, horticulture and livestock enterprises. The role also plays an important part in maintaining research trials, farm assets, machinery and infrastructure. In this role, you will undertake a variety of practical tasks including livestock handling, irrigation, spraying, harvesting, machinery operation and maintenance, fencing and general farm upkeep. You will also assist in maintaining research plots and accurately recording farm and operational data. No two days are the same. You may be operating tractors and equipment one day, assisting with livestock management the next, and supporting research plots or farm maintenance activities throughout the week.

About You

We're looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and is willing to get involved wherever needed. You will bring experience in:

• Livestock handling, animal husbandry or orchard operations
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm equipment
• Fencing, grounds maintenance and farm infrastructure repairs
• Recording stock, chemical, machinery and operational data accurately

Highly regarded qualifications

• Chemical Accreditation AQF 3 or willingness to obtain
• Current forklift licence or willingness to obtain

The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a pre-employment health assessment as part of the recruitment process.

What’s in it for you:

• Accommodation available on farm with subsidised rent
• A 9-day fortnight to support your work-life balance
• Opportunities to build skills across livestock, cropping, and farm operations
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where your contribution is valued
• Access to health & wellbeing initiatives and Employee Assistance Programs

For a confidential discussion, please contact David Miller, Cluster Manager Eastern via [e-mail] or on 02 6626 1208.

Please note: Interviews for this role will be held on site at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute during the second week of November 2026. Due to the nature of the assessment activities, we are unable to accommodate virtual interviews and candidates will be required to attend in person.

Applications close : Monday 26 October 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT

Additional Information

• The preferred candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete reference checks and a Health Assessment prior to appointment.
• Other pre-employment checks, including a National Police Check, bankruptcy check and/or other assessments, may be required depending on the role.
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.

About Us

Together, we are DPIRD The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies. Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests. The department brings together:

• Local Land Services
• NSW Resources
• Agriculture and Biosecurity
• Fisheries and Forestry
• Regional Development and Delivery.

With the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve. Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team. At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter , Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact [e-mail] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion. We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.

The Welcome Experience Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience Role Description