Horticulture Farm Manager

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On‑farm accommodation for farm manager

Job summary

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries in Port Macquarie NSW is seeking a motivated Farm Manager to oversee two acres of protected tomato crops and one acre of protected strawberries. The role combines crop production, team leadership and general farm maintenance, with on-site accommodation available for the right candidate.

You will work with the current Farm Manager to ensure crops and production systems run smoothly, while leading staff and maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.

Qualifications

• Interest in agriculture, horticulture or crop production.
• Horticultural experience or relevant qualifications preferred.
• Practical skills with hand and power tools; general repairs.
• Ability to work safely at heights when required.
• Hands-on approach with problem-solving and willingness to learn.
• Ability to organize work, communicate clearly and manage staff.
• Commitment to workplace safety and responsible use of agricultural chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Managing and supporting farm staff, coordinating daily tasks and work priorities.
• Managing irrigation and fertigation systems to maintain optimal crop growth.
• Handling agricultural chemicals safely and responsibly.
• Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program.
• Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment.
• Carrying out general farm repairs, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintaining a safe, organised and productive working environment.

Skills

Interest in agriculture

Horticultural experience

Practical use of hand/power tools

Work at heights

Hands-on approach

Team management

Safety with agro-chemicals

Education

Agricultural qualifications (highly regarded)

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries – Port Macquarie NSW

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is looking for a motivated, practical and hands‑on Farm Manager to oversee our protected tomato and strawberry production operation. This is an opportunity to take on a rewarding management role within an established horticultural business, with comprehensive training and support provided by our current Farm Manager, who will be staying within the business.

You’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of approximately two acres of protected tomato crops and one acre of protected strawberries, helping ensure our crops, people and production systems operate at their best. A manager's cottage is available as part of the employment package for the right candidate, the farm being only 15 minutes from the heart of beautiful Port Macquarie.

About the role

This is a varied, hands‑on position combining crop production, team leadership, technical crop management and general farm maintenance. You’ll play a key role in keeping the farm running smoothly, maintaining crop health and supporting consistent, high‑quality production.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and supporting farm staff, coordinating daily tasks and work priorities

• Managing irrigation and fertigation systems to maintain optimal crop growth

• Handling agricultural chemicals safely and responsibly

• Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) program

• Operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment

• Carrying out general farm repairs, maintenance and troubleshooting

• Maintaining a safe, organised and productive working environment

About you

We're looking for someone who is reliable, proactive and genuinely interested in farming. You’ll be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, and you’ll enjoy the practical challenges of running a productive horticultural operation.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• A genuine interest in agriculture, horticulture or crop production

• Horticultural experience and/or relevant agricultural qualifications (highly regarded, but not essential)

• Practical skills and confidence using hand tools, power tools and carrying out general repairs

• The ability and willingness to work safely at heights when required

• A hands‑on approach, good problem‑solving skills and a willingness to learn

• The ability to organise work, communicate clearly and manage staff effectively

• A commitment to workplace safety and the responsible use of agricultural chemicals

No previous farm management experience? That's okay. We're happy to consider someone with the right attitude, practical aptitude and willingness to learn. Comprehensive on‑the‑job training will be provided by our current Farm Manager, who will remain with the business to support a smooth transition.

What we offer

• The opportunity to take ownership of a diverse, hands‑on horticultural operation

• Comprehensive training and ongoing support

• The chance to develop your technical, operational and people‑management skills

• A varied role where practical skills and initiative are genuinely valued

• On‑farm accommodation for farm manager and family

About Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is an established horticultural business in the Port Macquarie region, producing tomatoes and strawberries under protected cropping systems. We’re looking for someone who shares our interest in growing quality produce and takes pride in keeping a farm operating efficiently.

Interested?

If you're practical, motivated and ready to build your future in horticulture, we'd love to hear from you.