Farm Manager - Hunter Valley

Nature's Care; Pokolbin; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free accommodation

Job summary

Nature's Care in the Hunter Valley is seeking an experienced Farm Manager to oversee year-round operations across our vineyard and olive orchard. The role focuses on practical farming management, crop health, and timely harvests, with a strong emphasis on olive cultivation.

Permanent, full-time position based in the Hunter Valley with free accommodation provided; you will manage irrigation, machinery, labour coordination and ensure safety and compliance on-farm operations.

Qualifications

• Olive cultivation experience is essential.
• Experience in a commercial vineyard or olive orchard is preferred.
• Sound knowledge of crop management, irrigation systems and general farm operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage pruning, topping, fertilising, pest and disease control, and weed management.
• Monitor crop health and growth to determine optimal harvesting times.
• Operate irrigation systems, schedule irrigation based on soil moisture and crop needs, and manage fertigation where applicable.
• Coordinate harvest labour and machinery to ensure productive, timely post-harvest handling and safe operations.

Skills

olive cultivation

tractor operation

irrigation knowledge

Education

Agriculture/Horticulture/Argronomy qualification

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Farm Manager to oversee year-round farm operations across our vineyard and olive orchard in the Hunter Valley.

Experience or sound knowledge of olive cultivation and harvesting is essential for this role. We are looking for someone with practical farming experience who can manage day-to-day operations, maintain crop health and quality, and ensure efficient and timely harvesting.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in the Hunter Valley, with free accommodation provided to the successful candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Management

Plan and manage annual crop activities, including pruning, topping, fertilising, pest and disease control, and weed management.

Monitor crop health, growth, development and maturity to determine optimal harvesting times.

Plan and implement spray and fertiliser programs, maintaining accurate records and complying with product label requirements and relevant chemical-use regulations.

Irrigation and Water Management

Operate, monitor and maintain irrigation systems, including bores, pumps, filters, mainlines and driplines.

Schedule irrigation based on soil moisture, weather conditions, crop growth stages and water availability.

Manage fertigation programs where applicable.

Maintain accurate water-use records and assist with compliance with water licence and metering requirements.

Identify and promptly resolve irrigation leaks, blockages and pump faults to minimise crop stress.

Harvesting and Farm Operations

Plan, coordinate and oversee mechanical harvesting activities, particularly for olives.

Operate and supervise tractors, harvesting machinery and other farm equipment safely and efficiently.

Coordinate harvest labour, machinery and schedules to maintain productivity, protect crop quality and ensure timely post-harvest handling.

Oversee general farm operations throughout the year, ensuring work is completed efficiently and safely.

Maintain farm equipment and facilities and ensure compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

Practical experience or sound knowledge of olive cultivation and harvesting (essential).

Experience in a commercial vineyard, olive orchard or other horticultural operation.

A qualification in agriculture, horticulture or agronomy (preferred).

Sound knowledge of crop management, irrigation systems and general farm operations.

Experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery.

The ability to work independently, manage priorities and solve practical problems.

Good organisational, communication and record-keeping skills.

A strong commitment to workplace health and safety.

A current driver's licence.

The ability and willingness to work in a regional location.

What We Offer

Free accommodation in the Hunter Valley.

The opportunity to manage diverse vineyard and olive orchard operations.