Farm Hand / Maintenance

Merivale Farms; Southern Downs Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

All PPE provided

On-site accommodation

Stable long-term role

Supportive team

Job summary

Merivale Farms is seeking a Farm Maintenance Officer for the Allora site to perform routine and reactive maintenance across equipment, infrastructure, and facilities. You will respond to breakdowns and plan preventative tasks in collaboration with farm management and production teams.

The role emphasizes safety, biosecurity, and efficiency, with on-site accommodation available and a supportive, safety-focused team.

Qualifications

• Experience in maintenance or mechanical repair or a hands-on role.
• Competence in basic welding, fabrication, and general repairs.
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and/or machinery servicing (basic level).
• Physically fit and able to work in varied weather conditions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety practices.
• Willingness to comply with strict biosecurity rules.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and reactive maintenance on farm equipment, machinery, and buildings.
• Repair and maintain animal pens, fencing, water systems, feed lines, and ventilation systems.
• Conduct welding, fabrication, and basic plumbing as required.
• Operate machinery and tools safely and in compliance with WHS regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and parts used.
• Work with management to identify and implement site improvements.
• Ensure biosecurity, hygiene, and safety standards are always upheld.
• Assist in other general farm duties as required.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Basic welding

Basic plumbing

Electrical basics

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Independent worker

Tools

Welding tools

Hand tools

Job description

Merivale Farms is a leading pig production business dedicated to high-quality animal care, sustainable farming practices, and efficient operations. Our Allora site operates with strict biosecurity standards and a focus on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Position Overview

The Farm Maintenance Officer will be responsible for carrying out repairs, preventative maintenance, and improvement works across the Allora site to ensure all equipment, infrastructure, and facilities are safe, functional, and operating efficiently.

You will work closely with farm management and production teams to respond quickly to breakdowns while also planning and completing preventative maintenance tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and reactive maintenance on farm equipment, machinery, and buildings.
• Repair and maintain animal pens, fencing, water systems, feed lines, and ventilation systems.
• Conduct welding, fabrication, and basic plumbing as required.
• Operate machinery and tools safely and in compliance with WHS regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and parts used.
• Work with management to identify and implement site improvements.
• Ensure biosecurity, hygiene, and safety standards are always upheld.
• Assist in other general farm duties as required.

Requirements

• Previous experience in maintenance, mechanical repair, or a similar hands-on role.
• Competence in basic welding, fabrication, and general repairs.
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and/or machinery servicing (basic level).
• Physically fit and able to work in varied weather conditions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Commitment to workplace health and safety practices.
• Willingness to comply with strict biosecurity rules.

Biosecurity & Workplace Rules

• No pigs, poultry, or birds to be kept at home unless approved by management.
• Minimum 3-day stand-down required after visiting another piggery before entering Merivale Farms site.
• Personal clothing must not be worn — farm-supplied clothing provided.
• No mobile phones permitted in sheds

Days & Hours

Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm.

Friday early finish: 2:00pm.

Breaks: Morning tea 15mins lunch 30mins

Weekend work: Every 3rd weekend — 3 hours on Saturday and Sunday for essential livestock feeding.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on skills and experience.
• Stable, long-term role with a well-established farming business.
• All PPE and work clothing provided.
• Opportunity to work with a supportive and safety-focused team.

Accommodation

Basic, small communal accommodation is available on-site for single employees. Includes furnished room, shared kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. Ideal for candidates relocating or seeking FREE housing close to work.