Manure Removal Operator

Ellerslie Farms; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellerslie Farms is seeking a reliable team member for the Millmerran, QLD farm to work on a rotating roster ensuring safe operation of manure handling equipment. You will remove manure, assist with shed maintenance, and support biosecurity and animal welfare standards across poultry operations.

Ideal candidates are physically fit, with strong attention to detail, good communication, and a willingness to follow strict biosecurity procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow strict biosecurity and safety procedures.
• Physically fit and capable of manual labour.
• Good communication skills and ability to report issues accurately.
• Experience in poultry or agriculture environments preferred.
• Basic mechanical awareness or equipment handling experience is an advantage.
• Valid HR or HC driver's licence or demonstrated experience.

Responsibilities

• Remove manure from sheds using designated equipment.
• Clean and maintain shed surrounds by shovelling and sweeping spills after manure removal.
• Inspect manure quality and record findings to the Farm Manager.
• Identify causes of wet manure, including potential health concerns.
• Record leaking drinker nipples with location details.
• Monitor manure belts to ensure tension and operation; report faults promptly.
• Maintain cleanliness of manure pits; ensure regular pumping.
• Perform basic maintenance checks on manure trucks; record actions.
• Keep manure truck cabins clean; weekly washing.
• Comply with animal welfare standards when handling birds.
• Report equipment faults to the Farm Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.
• Understand and strictly adhere to quarantine and biosecurity standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Biosecurity procedures

Physical fitness

Communication skills

Driver's licence HR/HC

Job description

Millmerran, QLD

Our Mission – To produce affordable and quality eggs from well-cared-for hens in a socially responsible way, utilising the collective strength of a skilled, purpose-driven and innovative team.

Our Values – Responsibility ~ Integrity ~ Generosity ~ Humility ~ Trust = Loyalty

• We can offer long-term and stable employment.
• We are a growing Agribusiness.
• Work in a relaxed, rural environment in the heart of the Darling Downs.

About us ...

Ellerslie Farms Group is an agribusiness that operates one of the largest poultry farms in Australia.

We employ over 500 people across our farming operations based at Millmerran, an hour west of Toowoomba in Queensland. Our operations are vertically integrated, covering the entire supply chain from chick rearing, grain production, stock feed milling, egg grading and poultry production. Our layer systems include Cage, Cage-free, Free Range and Organic. We have in-house service teams which coordinate bird vaccination, bird relocation, veterinary and nutrition services.

We offer a variety of opportunities for personal and professional development and career advancement for the right individual who demonstrates a willingness to learn and a commitment to our business values.

Please visit www.ellersliefarms.com.au to learn more about who we are.

About the Role ...

You will be required to work efficiently and cohesively within a team environment on a rotating roster, ensuring the safe operation of equipment provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Remove manure from sheds using designated equipment
• Clean and maintain shed surrounds by shovelling and sweeping spills after manure removal
• Inspect manure quality (wet, dry or normal) and accurately record and report findings to the Farm Manager
• Identify causes of wet manure, including leaking drinker nipples or potential bird health concerns
• Record and report leaking drinker nipples, including location details (tire, row, and position in cages)
• Monitor manure belts to ensure correct tension, tracking and operation, reporting any faults promptly
• Maintain cleanliness of manure pits, ensuring they are regularly pumped out
• Perform basic maintenance checks on manure trucks (oil, water, tyres, etc.), recording actions and reporting issues
• Keep manure truck cabins clean, including weekly washing and vacuuming.
• Comply with animal welfare standards and best practices when handling and moving birds (pullets and/or spent hens)
• Report equipment faults and maintenance issues to the Farm manager and/or Maintenance Supervisor
• Understand and strictly adhere to quarantine and biosecurity standards across the farm

About You ...

You will:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and hygiene
• Ability to follow strict biosecurity and safety procedures
• Physically fit and capable of manual labour
• Good communication skills and ability to report issues accurately
• Experience in poultry or agriculture environments (preferred but not essential)
• Basic mechanical awareness or equipment handling experience is an advantage
• Valid HR or HC driver's licence or demonstrated experience

What else do I need?

• A passion for agriculture and a genuine interest in working in a rural area;
• Sufficient literacy and numeracy skills;
• A valid drivers license and your own transport;
• Robust physical fitness, with the ability to work extended shifts.

Please note - Candidates must be willing to adhere to strict bio-security requirements, which include not keeping live birds, chickens or pigs at home. You must be willing to sign our bio-security agreement to avoid contact with any avian species (birds, chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.).

These positions are not open to overseas applicants.