Farm Operations Manager - Mixed Farming

Warralong Pastoral Company Pty Ltd; Coolac; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home with heating

Air conditioning

Pool access

Dog food allowance

Dog injury cover

Phone allowance

Utility allowance

Work vehicle provided

Beef and lamb supplied

Job summary

Warralong Pastoral Company Pty Ltd in Coolac NSW is seeking an experienced Farm Operations Manager to lead a large mixed farming enterprise, including Merino sheep, Angus cattle, and cropping. You will oversee a small on-site team and report directly to the owners.

The role emphasises operational leadership, implementing modern farming practices, animal health, pasture management, and infrastructure maintenance to sustain productivity and safety.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a similar role
• Strong knowledge of Merino sheep, Angus cattle, pastures and cropping
• Operate large farm tractors
• First aid accreditation
• Side by side vehicle accreditation
• Chemical certificate
• Chainsaw certification
• Strong organization and day-to-day operations
• High attention to detail and communication
• Willing to grow within the role
• Have a working dog team
• Computer literacy and data recording

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across farm businesses
• Monitor and improve flock and herd health and well-being
• Manage cropping and pasture performance
• Oversee property maintenance including fencing
• Oversee machinery repairs and routine maintenance
• Infrastructure oversight and staff supervision

Skills

Merino sheep

Angus cattle

Pastures

Cropping operations

Tractor operation

First aid

Chemical certificate

Chainsaw

Record keeping

Data analysis

Team leadership

Communication skills

Growth mindset

Working dog team

Computer literacy

Job description

Warralong Pastoral Company Pty Ltd – Coolac NSW

We family owned large mixed farming business in the Southwest Slopes of NSW, spanning 3,800 hectares. Unfortunately our recent manager has left to join a family business so we are looking for a high quality replacement.
Our progressive and well-maintained mixed farming operation manages a large Merino breeding operation joining about 10,000 ewes annually. We have an annual cropping program of 1,000 hectares, and about 1000ha of improved pasture, plus a small Angus cow heard plus trading or agistment cattle as the opportunities arise. The Merino enterprise utilises genetics focused for growth, fat, muscle, fertility and fleece weight, and uses a modern management approach to achieve a productive dual-purpose model. Our goal is to breed medium bodied, plain skinned, non-mulesed, fertile ewes with strong good fleece weight and fecundity traits. Our cropping business is a rotational cereal and canola business with a mix of winter and spring crops sown.

The business has good infrastructure to run an operation of this scale, including 5 sets of sheep yards, (including a brand new set of undercover yards) shearing and fodder sheds, excellent water systems and efficient laneway networks. We have appropriate machinery for this operation including all cropping machinery was purchased brand new this year.

We have a long history of high staff retention and we cherish an inclusive, fair work and equal opportunity environment. The success of the business depends significantly on fostering a strong and inclusive culture and keeping a productive and cohesive team safe in our work environment.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled, enthusiastic and working Farm Operations Manager to provide operational leadership across the farm businesses. You will have a strong passion for intensive sheep and cattle breeding and relevant cropping experience to run our entire operation with 3 additional staff . There are 2 dedicated livestock staff and a junior cropping person in permanent positions, all living on farm.
In this pivotal role you will leverage innovation and technology to monitor and enhance flock, herd, health and well-being plus cropping and pasture performance. In addition to livestock, cropping and pasture management, you will be responsible for property maintenance, including the construction and repair of fences, basic machinery repairs and routine maintenance, infrastructure oversight. This role reports directly to the owners and is the most senior and responsible position in the business.

The Offer

The successful applicant will receive an attractive salary along with an excellent home with wood heating, air conditioning and pool. Beef and lamb are supplied as well as a dog food allowance and dog injury cover, phone allowance, utility allowance, and a work vehicle will be provided for work-related purposes.

The farm is located approximately 1.5 hours from Canberra, 12 mins from Gundagai, and 40 mins to Tumut, Cootamundra and Harden, and an hour to Wagga. Major services at these centres include schools, supermarkets, sporting facilities, hotels, cafes and medical services. The role would be very suitable for a family, as a school bus services the local primary and high schools from the entrance to the farm.The Hume Highway runs through the farm so access is easy and location very convenient.

The Ideal Candidate

• Prior experience in a similar role or demonstrate that you are ready for such a role.
• Strong technical knowledge of Merino sheep, Angus cattle, Pastures and Cropping operations
• Operate a large farming tractor with implements, and a smaller general tractor with front loader.
• Have or be willing to get accreditation for first aid, side by side vehicles, a chemical certificate, and chainsaw.
• Demonstrated ability to organise and execute day-to-day operations.
• High attention to detail and strong communication skills.
• Desire to grow within the role and develop skills and those in your team.
• Have a skilled working dog team (essential).
• Computer literacy, the ability to keep good records and analyse data.
• Be someone looking for growth in your agricultural career.