Research Centre Manager - Minnipa

Department of Primary Industries and Regions; Minnipa; On-site; AUD 88,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnipa Agricultural Centre, operated by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, seeks a capable Research Centre Manager to oversee cropping and livestock programs and support research trials across South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. You will lead teams, coordinate seasons and ensure safety and high standards in farming systems.

The role emphasizes practical farming leadership, collaboration with researchers and industry partners, and delivering real-world benefits to grain and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing broadacre cropping and/or mixed-farming operations.
• Strong people management skills.
• Sound knowledge of modern farming systems, agricultural machinery and livestock production.
• Strong organisational and planning capabilities.
• A commitment to safety, animal welfare and continuous improvement.
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day farm operations across cropping and livestock enterprises.
• Manage seasonal farm programs, including sowing, spraying, harvesting and livestock management activities.
• Supervise and support a small team, contractors and casual employees.
• Maintain farm infrastructure, machinery, equipment and assets to a high standard.
• Support the establishment and management of agricultural research trials and demonstrations.
• Monitor farm performance and contribute to operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build positive working relationships with researchers, industry stakeholders and local farming communities.
• Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements.

Skills

Broadacre cropping experience

People management

Communication skills

Farm operations planning

Tools

Modern farming machinery

Livestock handling equipment

Job description

About Minnipa Agricultural Centre

The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of PIRSA, delivers world-class research that supports the productivity, sustainability and profitability of South Australia's primary industries. Located in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula, Minnipa Agricultural Centre is one of South Australia's leading agricultural research and farming enterprises. Combining a commercial broadacre cropping program and self-replacing Merino enterprise with innovative research, the Centre helps improve productivity and resilience in low rainfall farming systems across South Australia.

About the Role

Are you a hands-on agricultural leader passionate about people, innovation and the future of farming? As Research Centre Manager, Minnipa, you’ll lead the farming operations that underpin one of South Australia's most respected agricultural research centres. Overseeing the Centre’s cropping and livestock enterprises, you’ll work closely with researchers, industry partners and local producers to support research, demonstrate best practice and help drive the adoption of innovative farming systems and technologies. Unlike a traditional farm management role, success is measured not only by operational performance, but by the Centre’s ability to support high-quality research, demonstrate practical outcomes and deliver benefits to grain and livestock producers across South Australia.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day farm operations across cropping and livestock enterprises.


• Manage seasonal farm programs, including sowing, spraying, harvesting and livestock management activities.


• Supervise and support a small team, contractors and casual employees.


• Maintain farm infrastructure, machinery, equipment and assets to a high standard.


• Support the establishment and management of agricultural research trials and demonstrations.


• Monitor farm performance and contribute to operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Build positive working relationships with researchers, industry stakeholders and local farming communities.


• Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements.

About You

You are a practical and experienced farm manager who enjoys leading people, solving problems and delivering results in a dynamic agricultural environment. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing broadacre cropping and/or mixed-farming operations.


• Strong people management skills.


• Sound knowledge of modern farming systems, agricultural machinery and livestock production.


• Strong organisational and planning capabilities.


• A commitment to safety, animal welfare and continuous improvement.


• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Why This Role?

Few roles offer the opportunity to lead a working farm that supports cutting-edge agricultural research while working alongside leading researchers to help shape the future of farming. At Minnipa, you’ll help trial new technologies, farming systems and livestock innovations that deliver practical benefits to producers across South Australia. You’ll enjoy the autonomy of managing a significant farming operation while contributing to research with real-world impact.

Lifestyle and Benefits

Located in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula, Minnipa offers a relaxed rural lifestyle, strong community connections and access to some of South Australia's most spectacular landscapes. To support your move, housing assistance is available and access to a departmental vehicle is provided. As Research Centre Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a unique farming operation that supports world-class agricultural research, work alongside leading researchers and industry professionals, and contribute to innovations that deliver real benefits for grain and livestock producers across South Australia. Whether you’re an experienced Farm Manager seeking greater purpose and long-term stability, or a capable agricultural leader ready to take the next step in your career, this is an opportunity to lead a respected farming enterprise, contribute to industry-leading research and help shape the future of dryland farming on the Eyre Peninsula and across South Australia.

Remuneration

OPS5 - $88,149 min - $94,236 max per annum, plus superannuation

Confidential Enquiries

Ben Parrish Acting General Manager, Research Support Phone: [phone] Email: [emailprotected] Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au