Farm Manager

Koala Farms; Gatton; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Long-term career opportunity

Supportive working environment

Job summary

Koala Farms, a family-owned horticulture producer operating in the Lockyer Valley and the Darling Downs, is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to lead day-to-day farm operations. You will oversee production from planting to harvest, manage a production team, coordinate machinery, ensure safety and quality, and drive continuous improvement in a hands-on leadership capacity.

Applicants should have prior Farm Manager or senior supervision experience in horticulture, strong knowledge of vegetable

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Farm Manager or senior supervisory role within horticulture.
• Strong knowledge of vegetable production systems and farm operations.
• Experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery.
• Current forklift licence.
• ChemCert accreditation (preferred).
• GPS and precision agriculture knowledge (preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• High integrity and work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Excellent communication and ability to lead a multicultural workforce.

Responsibilities

• Managing all day‑to‑day farm operations from ground preparation through to harvest.
• Planning and coordinating planting, irrigation, spraying and crop maintenance activities.
• Leading, supervising and developing the farm production team.
• Managing labour requirements and ensuring efficient workforce utilisation.
• Operating and overseeing the safe use of tractors, machinery and equipment.
• Monitoring crop performance and implementing best horticultural practices.
• Maintaining accurate production, chemical and machinery records.
• Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety, food safety and environmental standards.
• Working closely with senior management to achieve production targets and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Farm management

Leadership

People management

Vegetable production

Tractor operation

Forklift operation

GPS/Precision agriculture

Horticulture knowledge

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Independent work

Decision making

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Tools

Forklift (licence)

Tractor machinery

Job description

Koala Farms is a family-owned business and a leading producer in the horticultural industry, operating properties throughout the Lockyer Valley and the Darling Downs. We provide year-round production to major retail chains and wholesale markets along the east coast of Australia.

About Koala Farms

Koala Farms is a family-owned business and a leading producer in the horticultural industry, operating properties throughout the Lockyer Valley and the Darling Downs. We provide year-round production to major retail chains and wholesale markets along the east coast of Australia.

About the Role

As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Farm Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of one of our farms.

Reporting to senior management, the Farm Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of farm production, ensuring crops are produced efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards. This hands‑on leadership role involves managing farm operations, leading and developing employees, coordinating machinery and equipment, and ensuring all production activities are completed in line with company objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing all day‑to‑day farm operations from ground preparation through to harvest.

• Planning and coordinating planting, irrigation, spraying and crop maintenance activities.

• Leading, supervising and developing the farm production team.

• Managing labour requirements and ensuring efficient workforce utilisation.

• Operating and overseeing the safe use of tractors, machinery and equipment.

• Monitoring crop performance and implementing best horticultural practices.

• Maintaining accurate production, chemical and machinery records.

• Ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety, food safety and environmental standards.

• Working closely with senior management to achieve production targets and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Successful Applicant Will Have:

• Previous experience in a Farm Manager or senior supervisory role within horticulture.

• Strong knowledge of vegetable production systems and farm operations.

• Experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery.

• Current forklift licence.

• ChemCert accreditation (preferred).

• GPS and precision agriculture knowledge (preferred).

• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience.

• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills.

• A high level of integrity and a strong work ethic.

• The ability to work independently and make sound decisions.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to lead a multicultural workforce.

• Competent computer skills.

• Current driver's licence and reliable transport.

What We Offer

• A long‑term career opportunity with a growing family‑owned business.

• A supportive and professional working environment.

• Competitive remuneration based on experience.

• The opportunity to lead a productive farm within a respected horticultural business.

For more information about Koala Farms, please visit www.koalafarms.com.au.