Hands-On Farm Operator – 9‑Day Fortnight, 5 Weeks Leave

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

Benefits offered by this job

9‑day fortnight

Five weeks annual leave

12% superannuation

Job summary

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW in Wagga Wagga is seeking a Farm Assistant to support day-to-day farming activities at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute. You will gain experience across livestock, cropping, pasture and horticultural enterprises while helping maintain machinery and infrastructure.

The role offers a temporary full-time contract until 30 November 2027, with a 9-day fortnight, five weeks annual leave and a base salary of AUD 62,940–AUD 69,361 plus

Qualifications

• Experience working in a farming, agricultural or horticultural environment.
• Strong safety focus and practical, hands-on approach.
• Positive attitude and team-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Livestock handling and animal welfare activities.
• Irrigation, spraying, harvesting and general crop operations.
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm equipment.
• Fencing, grounds maintenance and farm infrastructure repairs.
• Recording stock, chemical, machinery and operational data accurately.

Skills

Farming experience

Safety mindset

Team player

Physical outdoor work

Education

AQF 3 Chemical Accreditation

Job description

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW – Wagga Wagga NSW

• Temporary full-time opportunity until 30 November 2027
• Located at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute
• Operational Staff Grade 1 salary from $62,940 to $69,361 plus 12% superannuation
• 9-day fortnight
• 5 weeks annual leave*

Why Join DPIRD

At DPIRD, you'll be part of a supportive and experienced team working across diverse farming enterprises while contributing to agricultural research that benefits farmers and industries across NSW.

Benefits of joining us include:

• 9-day fortnight and excellent work-life balance
• Varied work across livestock, cropping, pasture and horticultural operations
• Opportunity to contribute to agricultural research that benefits farmers across NSW
• Supportive, experienced team environment
• Hands-on work with a variety of machinery, equipment and farming systems
• No two days are the same

About the Role

As a Farm Assistant, you'll be part of a close-knit team supporting day-to-day farming operations and agricultural activities at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute. You'll gain experience across livestock, cropping, pasture and horticultural enterprises while helping maintain machinery and infrastructure.

Your work will include:

• Livestock handling and animal welfare activities
• Irrigation, spraying, harvesting and general crop operations
• Operating and maintaining tractors and farm equipment
• Fencing, grounds maintenance and farm infrastructure repairs
• Recording stock, chemical, machinery and operational data accurately

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 working in a farming, agricultural or horticultural environment
• A strong safety focus
• A positive attitude and team-focused approach
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varying conditions
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail

Highly regarded qualifications

• Chemical Accreditation AQF 3

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

For a confidential discussion, please contact Peter Jessop, Cluster Manager Southern, on 0427 019 *** or email ************@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

For further information, download the full role description

Please note: Interviews and assessments will be held on site at Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute the first week of November 2026. You will be required to attend in person as virtual interviews cannot be accommodated.

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

✅ A cover letter (max. 2 pages) outlining how your skills and experience make you a great fit for this role.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working visa for the duration of the appointment.

Applications close: Sunday 25 October 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT

Additional Information

• *Employees residing in remote locations, such as Wagga Wagga, may be entitled to up to five weeks annual leave.
• Atalentpool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next18 months.

After applying:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview an onsite interview
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. scenario task, practical assessment)
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.

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.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.

DPIRD is a proudDisability Confident Recruiter,Family Inclusive EmployerandCarer 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 toparticipate, please contact***************@dpird.nsw.gov.au 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

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