Orchard Manager

GO.FARM; Katunga; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

House provided

Company vehicle

STI up to 10% of salary

Learning budget (5% of salary)

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

GO.FARM is seeking an Orchard Manager to own the day-to-day development and operation of one of our almond orchards. You will lead a hands-on team, balance practical farming with planning, and ensure safe, efficient production as the orchard moves toward full maturity.

You will manage budgets, coordinate development activities, mentor staff, and work closely with the Almond Operations Manager to deliver business objectives while championing continuous improvement and sustainable farming

Qualifications

• Experience in orchard management or permanent crops.
• Proven experience leading teams and coordinating field operations.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation, nutrition, and crop management.
• Willingness to balance day-to-day farming with planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day orchard development and operations, including land prep, planting, irrigation, and pest control.
• Plan and coordinate development activities to meet milestones and budgets.
• Coach and develop orchard staff; build a high-performing team.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and resources for productivity and cost control.
• Oversee orchard infrastructure, machinery, irrigation systems and equipment.
• Champion safety and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with Almond Operations Manager to meet business objectives.

Skills

Orchard management

Horticulture

Team leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Safety compliance

Stakeholder communication

Driver's license

Job description

GO.FARM is an Australian-owned, high-conviction agricultural investor, developer and manager with a clear purpose: to transform Australian agriculture.

We identify underutilised and undercapitalised agricultural assets and reimagine them through land use change, investment in people, and adoption of climate-smart technologies. Our investment decisions and operations are underpinned by our Responsible Agriculture Framework, which guides our stewardship of natural capital, people and communities.

About the role:

As Orchard Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day management and development of one of our growing almond orchards, leading your team to deliver safe, efficient and high-performing operations.

Reporting to the Almond Operations Manager, you'll play a key role in establishing and developing the orchard as it progresses towards full production. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll balance time in the orchard with operational planning and commercial decision-making. We're looking for someone who enjoys building things, developing people and taking ownership of outcomes, with the opportunity to help shape an orchard from its early stages through to a productive, established operation.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage day-to-day orchard development and operations, including land preparation, planting, irrigation, nutrition, pest and weed management.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee orchard development activities to ensure key milestones, quality standards and operational targets are achieved.
• Lead, coach and develop orchard employees, building a high-performing and accountable team as the operation grows.
• Manage operational budgets, forecasts and resources, with a focus on productivity, efficiency and cost control.
• Oversee the establishment, maintenance and operation of orchard infrastructure, machinery, irrigation systems and equipment.
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring employees and contractors operate safely and in accordance with company procedures.
• Work closely with the Almond Operations Manager and broader development and operational teams to deliver business objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement, including new technologies, equipment and farming practices.
• Build strong working relationships with contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Promote sustainable farming practices and ensure compliance with relevant environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as required

About you:

You're a hands‑on leader who enjoys building and developing operations, leading people and taking ownership of results. You understand the challenges and opportunities that come with establishing an orchard and can balance the practical demands of farming with longer‑term planning and commercial priorities.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• Demonstrated experience in orchard management, horticulture or agricultural operations, ideally within almonds or permanent crops.
• Proven experience leading teams, coordinating operational activities and developing people.
• Strong technical knowledge of orchard operations, particularly irrigation, nutrition and crop management.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting and controlling operational costs.
• A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• The ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with employees, contractors and stakeholders.
• A current driver's licence.

Why work for GO.FARM:

We're serious about building long-term careers in agriculture. You'll benefit from:

• Real investment in your development, including 5% of your annual salary dedicated to learning
• Flexibility through enhanced leave options, salary sacrifice opportunities, and competitive incentives
• Access to growth programs focused on building long-term careers in agriculture
• Wellbeing programs that support your financial, physical, and mental health

In addition, this role is offering

• Base salary between $120,000 - $140,000 per annum
• Short Term Incentive (STI) of up to 10% of your salary
• Company provided house
• Company vehicle for business use