Junior Cultivation Technician

Broken Nose Vanilla; Innisfail; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Broken Nose Vanilla is seeking a hands-on, full-time grower to support field and lab workflows across vanilla, papaya, rice, essential oil crops and beekeeping. You’ll assist with planting, harvesting, processing, and data recording under supervision, focusing on practical learning and safety.

The role offers on-site accommodation for the right candidate and a pathway to develop skills in tropical farming, lab prep, and sustainable practices in a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or related field (Highly Desirable)
• Basic knowledge or a strong interest in beekeeping (training can be provided)
• Experience or willingness to learn farm machinery operation (especially tractors)
• Familiarity with field crop management practices
• Competency in reporting and digital tools like Excel and Google Sheets
• Physically fit, comfortable working in hot/humid outdoor environments
• Eager to learn and take initiative under the guidance of senior technicians

Responsibilities

• Vanilla vine management, including propagation, trellising, hand pollination & harvesting
• Papaya production, including planting, nutrient management, fruit harvest, and papain extraction
• Seasonal rice cultivation, including field layout, planting, care, and harvesting
• Essential oil crops, including planting, distillation prep, and weeding
• Beekeeping, including hive maintenance, pollination management, and honey/wax collection
• Lab & processing assistance, including sample prep, cleaning, and documentation
• Perform field tasks: planting, transplanting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease management
• Operate or assist in the use of tractors and other farm machinery (training provided if needed)
• Assist with hive inspections, feeding, swarm prevention, and honey collection
• Maintain records and assist in data entry/reporting using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Participate in post-harvest processing and lab-scale product prep
• Follow all farm hygiene, biosecurity and safety protocols
• Contribute to a positive, learning-focused team environment

Skills

Beekeeping knowledge

Machinery operation

Agriculture knowledge

Field crop management

Education

Diploma or Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

This is a hands-on full-time role ideal for someone who enjoys outdoor work, is eager to learn, and passionate about plants, soil, and bees. You will assist in field and farm operations under the direction of the Cultivation Lead/Manager, and support lab-based post-harvest and product processing.

Your responsibilities will extend across:

• Vanilla vine management, including propagation, trellising, hand pollination & harvesting
• Papaya production, including planting, nutrient management, fruit harvest, and papain extraction
• Seasonal rice cultivation, including field layout, planting, care, and harvesting
• Essential oil crops, including planting, distillation prep, and weeding
• Beekeeping, including hive maintenance, pollination management, and honey/wax collection
• Lab & processing assistance, including sample prep, cleaning, and documentation

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform field tasks: planting, transplanting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease management
• Operate or assist in the use of tractors and other farm machinery (training provided if needed)
• Assist with hive inspections, feeding, swarm prevention, and honey collection
• Maintain records and assist in data entry/reporting using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Participate in post-harvest processing and lab-scale product prep
• Follow all farm hygiene, biosecurity and safety protocols
• Contribute to a positive, learning-focused team environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Diploma or Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or related field (Highly Desirable)
• Basic knowledge or a strong interest in beekeeping (training can be provided)
• Experience or willingness to learn farm machinery operation (especially tractors)
• Familiarity with field crop management practices
• Competency in reporting and digital tools like Excel and Google Sheets
• Physically fit, comfortable working in hot/humid outdoor environments
• Eager to learn and take initiative under the guidance of senior technicians

What We Offer:

• A full-time role with opportunities for long-term development
• Skill-building in multi-crop tropical farming and integrated beekeeping
• Training in lab techniques, organic practices, and machine operation
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• Involvement in innovative, sustainability-focused agriculture
• On-site accommodation available for the right candidate post-interview